Today we awoke to hear that the Labour party are ready to publish their Levenson Lite Bill, intended to prevent the Government from resting over the  proposals which Lord Levenson first published on 29th November. The Labour party have identified at least one element which they and the Press are agreed upon. This is on the issue of the fall back regulator. The regulator that polices the Independent regulating committee that will attempt to regulate the press itself.  Labour like the Press barons do not want this to be OFCOM who Levenson had suggested could do the job, the reason being that OFCOM is made up of people chosen by the Government. The way this is being presented suggests that the party of opposition do not believe that Parliament is the best arbiter of independent regulation.

This is something that should  encourage us all. Many of us are affected by independent regulation in one way or another and whilst Parliament often makes good choices, it is very irritating to be part of an Industry or sector that has its future decided by someone who knows almost nothing about the issues on which they are passing judgement. These regulators appear to be chosen on the basis of how well they are known to the Civil Servants and Ministers signing off the decision, rather than because of their skills and experience. Whatever the outcome of Levenson and the future of press regulation, if this leads to a more responsible and effective selection of regulators, we may all benefit!