Bid for Leveson Two inquiry narrowly defeated
Written by News on 09/05/2018
The Government has narrowly avoided having to commence the second half of the Leveson inquiry into “unlawful” conduct by the press.
MPs voted by 304 to 295 to defeat the bid, spearheaded by former Labour leader Ed Miliband.
There were cries of “shame” in the Commons chamber as the result was announced on Wednesday afternoon.
Five Conservative MPs defied the Government and voted for the second half of Lord Justice Sir Brian Leveson’s inquiry.
They were Ken Clarke, Dominic Grieve, Philip Hollobone, Crispin Blunt and Peter Bone.
All nine DUP MPs opposed the changes and Sky News understands several Labour MPs abstained.
Mr Miliband had given an impassioned speech, accusing ministers of “dumping” a “promise” to phone hacking victims, asking repeatedly: “How dare they?”
But Culture Secretary Matthew Hancock said the inquiry would be expensive, and that its terms “have already largely been met”.
He promised that “where action is needed I do not back down from taking it”.
Mr Hancock added that a review would be carried out into how police forces are adhering to new media relations guidance recommended after part one of the inquiry.
Newspapers including The Sun, The Daily Mail and industry magazine Press Gazette had spoken about against the move.
After the result, Mr Hancock wrote on Twitter: “A great day for a free and fair press.
“We will work with closely IPSO (the Independent Press standards Organisation) to make sure their important work continues.”
But Mr Miliband lamented: “Very disappointed for the victims of phone hacking and press abuse that we did not win the vote for Leveson Two.
“The battle goes on to keep our promise to them to get the truth they deserve and protection for victims in the future.”
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(c) Sky News 2018: Bid for Leveson Two inquiry narrowly defeated
