Move a threat to free speech

• Former Labour leader Ed Miliband has put forward an amendment to the Bill to set up a huge new statutory inquiry into the media

• Critics say the move will be a massive burden on the taxpayer and will inevitably lead to more measures that are damaging to free speech

• There is also the threat of financial penalties for those who did not sign up to a state-approved press regulator. The only accredited body is Impress, which is backed by the former F1 boss Max Mosley

• Most publications have signed up to Independent Press Standards Organisation, the independent regulator funded by media organisations

• Under Labour deputy leader Tom Watson’s amendment, those who do not sign up through the royal charter system are liable for the complainant’s court costs in a data protection action, regardless of who wins the case

• While there are exemptions for Scottish newspapers, 85% of local titles north of the border would still be affected

• Some MPs also want to end journalists’ exemption from data protection rules, which are necessary for protecting the anonymity of sources

• The UK Government is opposed to the changes but, without the support from another party, can be defeated on the amendments

• 65% of local editors said it had become harder to access and publish information in the public interest since the publication of the Leveson Report in November 2012, according to a survey by News Media Association