Leveson Summoned By MPs To Explain Press Regulation Report

Leveson Summoned By MPs To Explain Press Regulation Report
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MPs have attempted to turn the tables on Lord Justive Leveson by asking him to appear before the Commons culture, media and sport committee to give evidence on his recommendations for regulation of the press.

A spokesperson for the committee confirmed to The Huffington Post UK that MPs had sent a request to Leveson on Wednesday and were awaiting his reply.

The committee could hold a "couple of sessions" and also call other witnesses to give evidence, although the spokesperson would not give names or details of timing.

The Guardian reports that the committee has also requested that David Cameron give evidence. If he agrees it will be the first time a prime minister has agreed to be quizzed be a Commons committee other than the liaison committee.

MPs in Westminster are eagerly awaiting tomorrow's publication of Leveson's recommendations on how the press should be regulated.

On Wednesday morning six copies of the Leveson report were delivered to Downing Street to be examined by Cameron and Nick Clegg prior to its publication.

It has been suggested that if the prime minister and deputy prime minister are unable to agree a joint position on the report that Clegg could deliver a separate response on behalf of the Liberal Democrats.

Ed Miliband is due to receive five copies of the report to be distributed to Labour's top team at 8am tomorrow morning.

On Tuesday evening more than 80 MPs and peers, including all the Conservative members of the culture committee, signed a letter urging the prime minister to resist state regulation of the press.

The cross-party committee, chaired by Tory John Whittingdale, conducted parliamentary inquiries into phone hacking and it was during one session where Rupert Murdoch was attacked with a foam pie.

Speaking at prime minister's questions in the Commons today, Cameron said he wanted to end up with an "independent regulatory system that can deliver" and offered cross-party talks.

"This government set up Leveson because of unacceptable practices in parts of the media and because of a failed regulatory system," he said.

"I am looking forward to reading the report carefully. I am sure all members will want to consider it carefully.

"I think we should try and work across party lines on this issue, it is right to meet with other party leaders about this issue and I will do so.

"What matters most I believe is that we end up with an independent regulatory system that can deliver and in which the public have confidence."

Miliband welcomed Cameron's commitment and insisted he wanted "real change".

"I hope we can work on an all-party basis. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for real change and I hope that this House can make it happen," he told MPs.