Press Matters Debate

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Gerald Howarth

Main Page: Gerald Howarth (Conservative - Aldershot)

Press Matters

Gerald Howarth Excerpts
1st reading: House of Commons
Tuesday 1st November 2016

(8 years ago)

Commons Chamber
Read Full debate Health and Social Care (National Data Guardian) Bill 2016-17 View all Health and Social Care (National Data Guardian) Bill 2016-17 Debates Read Hansard Text

A Ten Minute Rule Bill is a First Reading of a Private Members Bill, but with the sponsor permitted to make a ten minute speech outlining the reasons for the proposed legislation.

There is little chance of the Bill proceeding further unless there is unanimous consent for the Bill or the Government elects to support the Bill directly.

For more information see: Ten Minute Bills

This information is provided by Parallel Parliament and does not comprise part of the offical record

Karen Bradley Portrait Karen Bradley
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I would welcome comments on that particular issue in the consultation.

Gerald Howarth Portrait Sir Gerald Howarth (Aldershot) (Con)
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Like my right hon. Friend, I believe in a free press, but I also believe in a responsible press. Does she not agree that a great virtue of the Leveson inquiry was that it took this whole contentious issue out of the hands of politicians; that by going for this consultation, which she will respond to, she is in danger of embroiling politicians in the issue again; and that low-cost arbitration has to be part of the solution?

Karen Bradley Portrait Karen Bradley
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The very fact that we are having a debate about section 40—tied up with the matter of national security, which is the Investigatory Powers Bill—means that we need to take stock and work out exactly what is the best thing to do.