Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Press Malpractice

Thursday 16 April 2026 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • We recognise incidents of undue attention and harassment causing distress.
  • Publishers must operate ethically and within the law.
  • The Government will tread carefully and cautiously about regulation.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Siân Berry Green Brighton Pavilion
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.

Question

What steps her Department is taking to help protect the public from press malpractice?

Answer from Ian Murray

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions or policies not provided, only general statements about responsibilities and ethical operation.

How: General Principles, Ethical Expectations

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Q2 Siân Berry Green Brighton Pavilion
Culture, Media & Sport
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Ian Murray

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.

Not addressed: Specific commitment or timeline for independent press regulation not provided.

How: Cautious Approach, Trust Issues

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