Stop the Press: The Mail explains some of the stories which would have been barred by the ‘Leveson Law’

The Leveson report outlined key practices by the press which would have to be altered, or abolished altogether, to make way for his recommendations. The Mail has looked through its archives to explain the stories which would never have been run had there been restrictions in place.

1. Haut de la Garenne exposure

Looking at the recommendation that journalists, in some cases, be asked to expose sources by logging their meetings, The Mail concluded that its report into the piece of bone at the centre of the Haut de la Garenne children’s home inquiry which actually turned out to be a coconut shell would have been squashed. The story came from confidential police sources, revealing that the discovery had been made six weeks earlier but kept quiet. Under such laws as Leveson proposes an off-the-record contact between the press and police would be barred.

2. Tony Blair’s discussion with Attorney General Lord Goldsmith

The Mail maintains that “sources would not provide information for stories had they been forced to declare contact” as Leveson appears to propose. The Mail claims that its story in April 2005 exposing the warning from Lord Goldsmith, which showed Tony Blair had known the Iraq War could be illegal, would not have been run under Leveson guidelines.

3. Richard and Judy quiz scam

A story from February 2007 uncovered a scam which revealed that a quiz on Richard and Judy show left thousand of players without a chance of winning at the result was decided before contestants called in. The Mail was made aware of the story through a series of leaked emails from a protected source. Under the Leveson Law the Police and Criminal Evidence act would be changed which would strip journalists of the right to keep sources confidential, meaning the employee would be exposed.