Blagging: Leveson Inquiry

Joanna Cherry Excerpts
Wednesday 7th March 2018

(6 years, 9 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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I am sure the hon. Member for North Herefordshire (Bill Wiggin) will go about his business with an additional glint in his eye and spring in his step as a result of enjoying the approbation of no less a figure than the Secretary of State.

Joanna Cherry Portrait Joanna Cherry (Edinburgh South West) (SNP)
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Does the Secretary of State agree that as well as being criminal, the behaviour described by John Ford would be actionable in civil law? If section 40 were enforced, it would be of considerable benefit to any member of the public who was a potential claimant, particularly if the publisher of The Sunday Times were held to be vicariously liable for the criminal and civilly actionable behaviour.

Matt Hancock Portrait Matt Hancock
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The hon. and learned Lady has demonstrated just how much this is a matter for the courts and potentially criminal. She raises the issue of civil action. That is how in this country we deal with misdoing such as this that is potentially criminal.