Leveson Royal charter debate: statutory or non-statutory?

The three party leaders have just opened the debate on the Royal Charter. David Cameron was at pains to stress that this is not a ‘statutory approach’. But this was undermined by the deputy Prime Minister describing the approach as ‘a mix of Royal Charter and Statute.’

It was Miliband, though, who looked most satisfied with the deal. He dished out praise to those involved in securing agreement as if he was the Prime Minister. Labour are still in shock about how Letwin wandered into Ed Miliband’s office to negotiate last night without a political adviser or the backing of any other minister.

One of the things that worries me most is the fact that all three leaders referred to having a deal that the victims could accept. The idea that the victims should have to approve of the rules is fuzzy logic. The victims, obviously, deserve huge sympathy. But this sympathy shouldn’t extend to allowing them a veto over the rules.