Index welcomes newspapers’ rejection of cross-party approach to press regulation.

Index CEO Kirsty Hughes said:
“The Royal Charter introduces unwarranted government interference into the process of press regulation. Index welcomes the industry’s rejection of this approach. All those who refuse to sign up to the regulator will now risk facing exemplary damages, which means there will be a continuing chill on press freedom in the UK.

A truly independent and voluntary system is needed and must be one that offer tough standards and complaints procedures.

Index is concerned, however, that the industry appear to want to use the vehicle of a Royal Charter, which we believe would still allow an undesirable political influence.”

Read more about Index’s positions on press regulation:

Index on Censorship: Leveson, the Royal Charter and press regulation