Leading article: There must be no delay
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The man who will judge the British media laid out his stall yesterday. Lord Justice Leveson noted acidly that his terms of reference "grew substantially" after the Prime Minister's initial statement announcing the establishment of a public inquiry. This was a reference to David Cameron's decision that Leveson should examine not only the ethics and regulation of the press, but also the BBC and social media.
The upshot, according to Lord Justice Leveson, is that his report might not be delivered in 12 months as originally planned. His frustration is understandable, but Lord Justice Leveson should be in no doubt that another sprawling, Saville-style inquiry is precisely what is not required.
The hacking story is still developing. The latest revelation is that Sara Payne, the grieving mother of a murder victim who became an anti-paedophile activist, might have also been hacked. Lord Justice Leveson will plainly have a difficult job to prevent his inquiry cutting across the police investigation. That could offer another reason for delay. But that too must be resisted.
It is strongly in the public interest that the Leveson report is delivered as soon as possible, and its recommendations swiftly acted upon. Public faith in the press depends on it.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments