The Leveson Report

The 2,000 page document was published in four volumes

Following an array of ethical and legal wrong-doings by the press and more significantly the phone hacking scandal Lord Justice Leveson was appointed to as Chairman of the inquiry to investigate and report on the press and how they are regulated as well as their relationship with the public, police and politicians.

After a 16-month enquiry Lord Justice Leveson published a 2,000 page report in which it contained recommendations of how the press should be regulated. The report suggests that a new self-regulatory body with a new code of conduct should be created and that the government should have no power over what is written. No current serving editor should be allowed on the panel that would chair the independent board. This body will be backed by legislation to ensure that regulating was independent and effective.

Lord Justice Leveson, Chairman of the
inquiry into the practises of the UK press

This new body would be able to impose fines of 1% of the revenue of the newspapers, up to a maximum of £1million, if a newspaper was found be breaking the new codes. Newspapers have the option to join this body but for those that don’t they will be regulated by OFCOM, which is backed by law.

The political opinion in the House of Commons after the report was published varied. Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg stated that changes in the law were necessary.

Labour leader, Ed Milliband called for full implementation of the report and The Guardian supported his views by reporting that he had taken a “principled position”.

The UK press was scrutinised by Lord Justice Leveson

However most newspapers, some switching political alliances on this occasion, in the British press including the Financial Times, The Daily Telegraph, The Independent, The Times, The Daily Express, The Daily Mirror, The Daily Mail and The Sun supported David Cameron’s view that although he welcomed many of Leveson’s conclusions he had “serious concerns and misgivings”.

The Sun reported Leveson’s findings as a “withering report” although it is not surprising considering that News International who own The Sun also owned the now defunct News of the World which were and are the biggest culprits of gaining information from unethical and illegal procedures.



A satirical cartoon of those who may be particularly concerned
about the findings and recommendations within the Leveson report