7. Whether he plans to submit evidence to the Leveson inquiry on culture, practice and ethics of the press. (101304)

Following a request from the inquiry, the Secretary of State will submit evidence as part of the elegantly named “module 3”, which is considering the relationship between the press and politicians. In addition, my Department is working constructively with the Leveson inquiry by providing background information where possible.

In that evidence, will the Minister at least say that the replacement for the Press Complaints Commission should be politically independent and independent of what used to be Fleet street?

As is well known, the desire is to see independent self-regulation that is independent of the press and independent of the Government.