Richard Edwards on the limitations of the Leveson Inquiry

Lord Justice Leveson’s Inquiry in to the culture, practice and ethics of the press has thrown a spotlight on the relationship between politicians and media organisations, in particular Rupert Murdoch’s News International. One claim is that the Tories entered a ‘Grand Bargain’ with the media mogul who, in return for providing the backing of The Sun, was assured of support for his attempt to seize full control of BSkyB. Although denied by David Cameron, a special advisor to Jeremy Hunt has lost his job for appearing too close to the Murdochs and the hunt for the Culture Secretary is still very much on.

LJ Leveson has stated it is not his responsibility to determine if Mr Hunt has breached the ministerial code, but his terms of reference include examining the relationship between the press and politicians. LJ Leveson’s task is immense and goes to the very heart of our democracy. Striking the right balance between a need for robust regulation on the one hand and freedom of speech and investigative journalism on the other will be difficult, yet achievable. I doubt even Lord Leveson, however, believes he can come up with a viable solution that will see an end to politicians climbing in to bed with press barons and, as Murdoch put it, making love like porcupines.

An edited version of this was printed in the Liverpool Daily Post on 3^rd May 2012, follow this link:

http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/ldpbusiness/business-local/2012/05/03/what-the-leveson-inquiry-tells-us-about-politicians-and-media-organisations-99623-30885663/