Media: News Corporation

Baroness Northover Excerpts

Friday 15th July 2011 Lords Chamber

[Lord Campbell of Alloway]

My Lords, may I ask one short question? Having listened to this debate and, indeed, to most of the debates—I apologise for having lost my way here—surely care has to be taken to ensure that the requisite freedom of the press, and I stress requisite, is not inhibited? Some of the reasoning was just given by my noble friend.

[Baroness Northover]

My Lords, may I remind noble Lords that we have a speakers list?

[Lord Campbell of Alloway]

My Lords, I did not know and I am so sorry. Well, it need not be reported.

--- Later in debate ---

[Baroness Buscombe]

I am grateful to the noble Lord for allowing me to intervene. In declaring my interest as chairman of the Press Complaints Commission, I can confirm that the Daily Telegraph had to publish a full, half-page apology.

[Baroness Northover]

My Lords, we have had many problems with the speakers’ list today. I suggest that after the debate would be a better time to answer such questions. The noble Lord should continue.

[Lord Stoneham of Droxford]

The point I was making is that I do not know that. That is why the Press Complaints Commission does not have credibility.

The danger in the current mood of hysteria and sanctimony is that it will lead to restrictions on the freedom of the press. I welcome the recent speech of the current Deputy Prime Minister. We need now a structure of regulation which preserves media freedom while curbing abuse and, particularly, deals with concentrations of unaccountable and uncontrollable power in the media.