Leveson Inquiry

Debate between Harriet Harman and David Davis

Monday 3rd December 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr David Davis (Haltemprice and Howden) (Con)]

The right hon. and learned Lady has a strong and honourable history on this matter. Earlier this year, she spoke to the Oxford convention and announced she was firmly in favour of press freedom. She said:

“Because the press are now in the dock, it looks like special pleading from a vested interest when they make the case for press freedom. That’s why it is all the more important that politicians must insist on the freedom of the press.”

What has changed?

[Ms Harman]

Indeed, and that is why one of Lord Leveson’s proposals, which we think justifies the support of the House, is for a duty on Ministers to guarantee the freedom of the press, and that that duty should be in statute.