Press regulation system could become a "dogs dinner", says MP
CLEETHORPES MP Martin Vickers has voiced concern that a new system of press regulation could end up being “a dog’s dinner”.
He said the “rather non-specific wording” of a new Royal Charter underpinning an independent regulator could affect local newspapers like the Grimsby Telegraph.
Mr Vickers was one of 14 Conservative MPs to vote against “exemplary damages” in relation to newspapers and websites that refuse to be recognise the new regulator.
But despite the rebellion, an overwhelming majority of MPs backed a new press law following the recommendations of Lord Leveson.
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Mr Vickers said: “Exemplary damages and the rather non-specific wording in the Bill could drag in publications like the Grimsby Telegraph and similar local and regional media, and even things like village newssheets.
“There’s such a lack of clarity that the whole thing could end up being a bit of a dog’s dinner.”
The Conservative commentator and former MP Paul Goodman hailed Mr Vickers as one of a “tiny band” of “heroes of free speech” for voting against the fines.
Meanwhile the Newspaper Society (NS) warned the Royal Charter system could “place a crippling burden” on the UK’s 1,100 local newspapers.
NS president Adrian Jeakings said: “Lord Justice Leveson found that the UK’s local media had nothing to do with the phone hacking scandal which prompted the Inquiry.
“Indeed, he praised regional and local newspapers for their important social and democratic role and recommended that the regulatory model proposed should not provide an added burden to our sector.
“Yet the Royal Charter proposals agreed by the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and Labour…would place a crippling burden on the UK’s 1100 local newspapers inhibiting freedom of speech and the freedom to publish.
“Local newspapers remain fiercely opposed to any form of statutory involvement or underpinning in the regulation of the press. A free press cannot be free if it is dependent on and accountable to a regulatory body recognised by the state.”
4 Comments
by DerAngriff1
Wednesday, March 20 2013, 9:45AM
“Those earning enough money to be in the current 50% bracket contribute about 28% of all income tax collected. Those on the 40% bracket contribute about 34% of the total collected.
The fact of the matter is that if the very highest earners, the top 1%, are collecting 50% of all the wages paid in the country, then they should pay a level of tax that reflects this and is fair.
Remember, if you earn £151,000 (50% bracket) you would lose (without taking into account any pension payments, etc) £59,983 in tax and NI. If you earn 149,000 (40% bracket) you would lose £59,043.
Hardly a massive difference, and certainly not going to force those earning that kind of money to start building up payday loans.”
by crispydancer
Tuesday, March 19 2013, 5:57PM
“scoopaloof - I'm far from a high earner - below the average level of income, in fact - but I fully understand the purpose for lowering the highest-level tax rate.
The top 2% of earners contribute almost half of all income tax so, given how internationally mobile the wealthy are, setting yourself up as a kind of tax haven for the rich makes total economic sense.
More proper taxpayers equals more money in the pot.
After all, where do you think all the money for welfare and the public sector comes from? It certainly isn't from those claiming it/working in it.”
by WhistlingD
Tuesday, March 19 2013, 4:36PM
“No one has said the press cannot print what they like. All they have to do now is tell the truth instead of making it up......oh, and make sure the stuff they print has been obtained legally and not stolen. Not hard is it?”
by scoopaloof
Tuesday, March 19 2013, 4:09PM
“Martin who? oh yes he's the guy whose party are introducing a tax break for millionaires on April 6th ensuring they are around £107.000 a year better off. excellent work martin really taking care of the majority of your local electorate as were all in it together. meanwhile he seems to think there's something right with the press in this country”