If I were a victim of the gross press intrusion, like that which has been reported through the major Leveson Enquiry, (which was ordered by the Prime Minister) I know what I would be thinking of the leader of our so-called democracy. This man, who stated he would be the champion of the victims of horrendous press slander and intrusion, attempted to dilute to virtually nothing, the safeguards proposed against future diabolical media behaviour.
To add insult to injury, Cameron did not want statute to deal with media transgressions, nor any statutory underpinning of the loose Medieval instrument he proposed in place of law, a Royal Charter. Left open and unguarded, a Charter could easily be quietly tampered with by ministers and any effective elements could be neutralised. Who needs a champion like him.... certainly not vulnerable and traduced people!
It speaks volumes for the coalition of the Labour party and the Liberal Democrats, that the preferred inter-party agreement which evolved in the early hours of Monday 18th March 2013, does contain some statutory back-up to counter ministerial interference. Though not perfect, it was,finally hammered out in the office of the Labour Party Leader, Ed Miliband, together with Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, (also leader of the Liberal Democrats) and their various advisers. Oliver Letwin, who we hear little of, and who is Minister of State For Policy, attended on behalf of the Conservative Party. The pressure group, 'Hacked Off,' representing the victims, have noted their approval of this agreement
The media barons still will not like it. They will not easily give up any of the power they have taken, (and been allowed to run with) without any authority to do so.
Cameron can now hold out both palms and say to his media handlers, "Hey boys, I tried to scupper the new regulation, you saw I did". No doubt, he'll be fervently hoping he has done enough to bank sufficient credit with the media barons, for them to 'crown him' as their man - in their news and propaganda media - at the next General Election.
Politics is a very dirty business.
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