Leveson Inquiry: Report

Baroness Bonham-Carter of Yarnbury Excerpts

Monday 13th May 2013 Lords Chamber

[Lord Gardiner of Kimble]

My Lords, of course I understand what the noble Lord has said. We must indeed remember why the Leveson inquiry was held. Innocent people suffered tremendous harm and we owe it to them to ensure that this does not happen again. However, that should not and does not conflict with the important place we have for protecting freedom of the press.

[Baroness Bonham-Carter of Yarnbury]

My Lords, has the Minister seen the response from the NUJ to the publishers’ and proprietors’ charter? The NUJ represents journalists and utterly condemns the charter as showing contempt for parliamentary democracy. Who does the Minister think supports the publishers’ charter? Does he not agree that the proposal would not create a self-regulator that was genuinely independent or impartial, which is what the people of this country, and in particular the victims, want and deserve?

[Lord Gardiner of Kimble]

My Lords, I am aware of the representations of the NUJ and, indeed, other interests. I have to repeat that there are due processes for any submission of a royal charter. I checked the website at the Privy Council Office and I can work out how one can put across one’s views during this period of openness. There will be 15 working days for a period of openness, when people can put their views to the Privy Council as to the Pressbof royal charter.