Two amendments could prove too much for smaller titles

1 DEPUTY Labour leader Tom Watson’s amendment to the Data Protection Bill resurrects Section 40-style cost sanctions, which the UK Government previously rejected.

This would see newspapers forced to pay both sides’ legal costs if they are sued in court, regardless of whether they win, unless they are a member of an “approved regulator” – in this case, the state-backed Impress.

There are exemptions, however. Scottish publishers would not be included, as press regulation is devolved. However, many media firms span across the UK, while local papers are often owned by large firms. Publishers which have a constitution requiring they reinvest profits also appear to be exempt – which would cover the Guardian – as well as those with an annual turnover of less than £100 million. Again, many local papers would not be included as they are part of larger firms. 2 EX-LABOUR leader Ed Miliband has lodged an amendment to the Data Protection Bill paving the way for the second phase of the Leveson inquiry.

This new inquiry would look at data protection issues in television, magazine and online sectors as well as newspapers, and would likely cost tens of millions of pounds. The initial inquiry overseen by Lord Leveson cost £49 million alongside police investigations. The UK Government previously closed the inquiry and ditched plans for a second part. It said the world had changed since the first one kicked off in 2011, with many local papers struggling to survive. But the decision not to press ahead was met with fierce criticism from campaigners, who insist there is more criminal activity to be uncovered.

Editors fear another large-scale inquiry would take resources and time away from their efforts to secure a viable income in the digital world.