Press regulation is not our top priority, say public
A new poll reveals for the first time that voters do not believe press regulation is a priority for their MPs, believing time is better spent on more important issues such as the economy.
Furthermore, seven in ten people believe there is no need for new laws or state regulation of the press.
The poll by Survation on behalf of the Free Speech Network also found two-thirds are proud of Britain’s standing in the world as a model for press freedom and free speech, which would be in peril if the UK imposed statutory controls.
Highlights of the poll are:
> Only 0.5 per cent of people think regulation of press a priority and nine out of ten do not list press regulation as a “Top Ten” issue;
> 71 per cent of people believe there is no need for new laws or state regulation of the press;
> Two-thirds are proud of Britain’s standing in world as a model of press freedom and free speech;
> Two-thirds want to see libel laws amended to get actions settled more cheaply; and
> 91 per cent support free speech.
Bob Satchwell, chairman of the Society of Editors, said: “The British people are clear that they want a free press and free speech. We agree. This is why the industry supports a new system, independent of both government and the newspaper industry to ensure the highest standards in the press without undermining its capacity to hold people such as politicians to account.
“We have established a free press in this country over 300 years – we don’t want to reverse this trend. It would send a terrible signal to emerging democracies around the world if this were to end. How can we encourage the freedom of the press and free speech abroad, if we are threatening it at home?”
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Buckingham
Friday 24 May 2013
Today
Heavy rain
Temperature: 3 C to 8 C
Wind Speed: 33 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 5 C to 15 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: North
