Watchdog needed to curb press `havoc`

DHAKA: A tougher form of self-regulation backed by legislation should be introduced to uphold press standards, the Leveson report has recommended.

Lord Justice Leveson said the press had "wreaked havoc in the lives of innocent people" for many decades.

The report`s recommendations have divided the coalition government.

David Cameron said he had "serious concerns" over statutory regulation but Nick Clegg said he supported some form of legal underpinning.

And Labour leader Ed Miliband urged the government to accept the report in its entirety.

Speaking in the Commons, Mr Cameron said he broadly welcomed Lord Justice Leveson`s principles to change the current system.
But he said: "We should be wary of any legislation that has the potential to infringe free speech and the free press.

"The danger is that this would create a vehicle for politicians whether today or some time in the future to impose regulation and obligations on the press."

Deputy Leader Nick Clegg said changing the law was the only way to ensure "the new regulator isn`t just independent for a few months or years, but is independent for good".
Mr Miliband described the report as "measured, reasonable and proportionate" and said Labour "unequivocally" endorsed its conclusions.

BBC political correspondent Norman Smith said reaching a cross-party consensus would be formidably difficult because there was little room for negotiation when politicians were disagreeing over points of principle.

The Hacked Off campaign, which represents victims of phone hacking said Mr Cameron`s "failure" to accept the full recommendations of the report was "unfortunate and regrettable".

Source: BBC

BDST: 0045 HRS, NOV 30, 2012
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