Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Bill

Lord Skidelsky Excerpts

Monday 18th March 2013 Lords Chamber

Moved by

[Lord Skidelsky]

84F: After Clause 78, insert the following new Clause—
“The PressInterpretation: “the media”, “news publishers” etc
(1) In this Act “the media” means—
(a) media organisations, and(b) servants and agents of media organisations in the performance of functions relating to the activities of those organisations.(2) In this Act “media organisations” means organisations which—
(a) make broadcasts within the meaning of section 95(1) of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006;(b) publish, for circulation anywhere in England or Wales, a newspaper, magazine or periodical (or online content associated with a newspaper, magazine or periodical), a substantial proportion of which consists of news of, or opinion and discussion about, current affairs;(c) in the course of a business, publish content on a website, a substantial proportion of which consists of news of, or opinion and discussion about, current affairs in England or Wales. (3) In this Act “news publishers” means media organisations referred to in subsection (2)(b) and (c).
(4) In this Act “regulated publisher” means a news publisher which subscribes to a recognised regulator.
(5) In this Act a reference to “conduct” includes a reference to omissions; and a reference to a person’s conduct can include a reference to a person’s conduct after the events giving rise to a claim.”

[Lord Skidelsky]

My Lords, this group of amendments stands in my name and those of the right reverend Prelate the Bishop of Wakefield and the noble Baroness, Lady Kennedy.

Like the Minister and the noble Lord, Lord Stevenson, I welcome the royal charter proposed by the Prime Minister with all-party support. Noble Lords have asked what is to happen to retrenchment if Parliament chooses to overturn it by a simple majority. That is a valid question. My answer is that this is the best we can do with the constitution we have. As the noble Lord, Lord Low, said, it ought not to obstruct the progress of the royal charter. I pay tribute to the vital part that our House has played in keeping pressure on the Government to act. It has shown resolution and dignity in playing this vital constitutional role.

I am speaking to this group of amendments solely for the purpose of keeping open the possibility that further amendments may be required if the very good solution that we have all agreed on unravels. I am not going to speak any further to them.

Amendment 84FA (to Amendment 84F)

Tabled by