James Forsyth James Forsyth

Leveson report: David Cameron left in a minority over press regulation

Following this afternoon’s statements I am certain that David Cameron is in a minority in the House of Commons in not wanting to create a statutory back-stop for a press regulator. But, so far, no one can explain how even an alliance of Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the Eustice Tories can force the Prime Minister to provide parliamentary time for a bill that he doesn’t want.

Cameron got the tone and content of his statement right. I’m reassured that Cameron appreciates that while he set up an inquiry, he didn’t outsource his judgment to Lord Justice Leveson. He is also surely correct that a press law, however brief, would have worrying consequences.

Just before the statement, a visibly agitated Miliband walked over to Cameron to talk to him. When he rose to spoke, Miliband was passionate and sincere.

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