Policing and Crime Bill

Debate between John Whittingdale and Gerald Howarth

Ping Pong: House of Commons
Tuesday 10th January 2017 Commons Chamber

[Sir Gerald Howarth]

I am grateful for my hon. and learned Friend’s belief in my infallibility, and I assure him that he should not be misguided, because I am infallible in this instance as well. Let me respond to his point by saying that although there may be an eminent judge in the driving seat, the fact is that the membership is dominated by press and former press people. They are in the majority.

[Mr John Whittingdale (Maldon) (Con)]

That is not true.

[Sir Gerald Howarth]

It is true. Seven of the 12 are former press people, and that does not meet the Leveson conditions. Let us just meet the Leveson conditions: then we shall all be happy.