PM: Press regulation needs fixing (From The Oxford Times)

PM: Press regulation needs fixing

11:16am Thursday 14th June 2012 in National News © Press Association 2013

An independent system is needed to fix Britain's broken method of press regulation, David Cameron has suggested.

The Prime Minister told the Leveson Inquiry into media ethics that the relationship between the press and politicians had been too close for 20 years.

He admitted that it was difficult for governments to reform the system because they had a vested interest.

"We need to try to find a way for some independence to be brought to that," he said.

"I think the regulatory system we have at the moment doesn't work. We need to draw some boundaries but it is very difficult to do. If you take the expenses scandal, it was deeply painful for politicians but it was absolutely right that it was revealed."

He added: "In the last 20 years, I think the relationship has not been right. I think it has been too close and I think we need to get it on a better footing."

Mr Cameron told the inquiry that the advent of 24-hour news channels had made life more difficult for governments.

He said: "We are in a permanent battle of issues being thrown at you hour by hour where responses are demanded incredibly quickly. Politicians have to get out of the 24-hour news cycle to try to fight every hourly battle and face long-term issues and be prepared sometimes to take a hit on a story."

Mr Cameron said the relationship with the press was "not particularly trusting at the moment".

"I think a lot of politicians think the press always get it wrong," he said. "A lot of the press think politicians are in it for themselves - are not in it for the right reasons. It's become a bad relationship. The expenses scandal was a massive knock to Parliament and politicians' standing and politicians have to prove they are worthy of respect."