Question
Q10. Twenty-one years ago my constituent Paul Dadge helped survivors of the 7/7 bombings to safety. His phone was hacked, and so were the phones of family members of people who lost their lives that day. Press intrusion also affected victims of the Manchester Arena bombings and the Hillsborough families, who have described press regulation as the final piece of the jigsaw in their fight for justice. Fourteen years on from the Leveson inquiry, we still have major publications in control of the system that polices them. I know that this is an issue that the Prime Minister cares deeply about, so will his Government bring forward plans for the fair, independent press regulation that our constituents want to see?
Answer
It is the case, in all the terrible situations that my hon. Friend mentioned, that people suffered unacceptable intrusion into their private lives. I understand why he is raising this issue today, and I am happy to meet him to discuss it further.
Verdict: RED (18/100)
The question asked whether the Government will bring forward plans for press regulation. The reply acknowledges that unacceptable intrusion into private lives is a serious concern and offers to meet the Member, but it does not say whether such plans will come forward and gives no reason for its position. The reply is therefore hedged and leaves the central question unanswered, so the questioner would likely need to ask again for a specific commitment.
How we got there
| Question item | Coverage | Specificity | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Will the Government bring forward plans for fair, independent press regulation? | Partially Addressed | Hedged | The reply acknowledges unacceptable intrusion into private lives and offers to meet the Member, but never says whether the Government will bring forward plans for press regulation, and gives no reason for not doing so, so the core question is left unanswered. |