Public Confidence in the Media and Police

John Howell Excerpts

Wednesday 20th July 2011 Commons Chamber

[Edward Miliband]

Who is next, Mr Speaker? I give way to the hon. Gentleman.

[John Howell (Henley) (Con)]

I have been listening to the passion with which the right hon. Gentleman has been making his case, but if that passion for reform really is there, can he tell me why the previous Government did nothing but talk between 2002 and 2007 about reform of the Press Complaints Commission?

[Edward Miliband]

The hon. Gentleman is completely right that we did not do enough and we should have done more. I am absolutely clear about this. Of course this was a collective failure on both sides of the House—[Hon. Members: “Ah!”] I do not know why hon. Members say, “Ah.” I take our responsibility for this—of course that is right. Part of what is required is that we all account for our actions. That is absolutely right.