Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question addresses incidents of undue attention and harassment from the media causing distress to the public. It seeks specific steps being taken by the Department.
What steps her Department is taking to help protect the public from press malpractice?
We recognise incidents of undue attention and harassment causing distress. We defend media freedom but with responsibilities. Publishers must operate ethically and within the law. The Secretary of State has met families who experienced press intrusion. We are carefully considering next steps to ensure public trust in news media.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific actions or policies not provided, only general statements about responsibilities and ethical operation.
General Principles
Ethical Expectations
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
A national newspaper intruded on a bereaved family's privacy during a meningitis outbreak. The question seeks to hold the government accountable for its promise of independent press regulation.
Last month, a national newspaper intruded on the privacy of one of the families bereaved by the meningitis outbreak, publishing information that the family had asked to be kept private. In opposition, Labour promised independent regulation of the press to curb this awful behaviour, so when exactly will the Secretary of State keep that promise?
The Government will tread carefully and cautiously about regulation. Fearless journalists must hold the Government to account, but there are concerns over media trust issues. The Secretary of State is willing to meet to discuss such issues. Trends in media consumption are closely followed. In an age of misinformation and disinformation, we want to get this right.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment or timeline for independent press regulation not provided.
Cautious Approach
Trust Issues
Response accuracy