Royal charter for press regulation delayed by ministers
The cross-party proposals for a royal charter to underpin press regulation following the Leveson report are to be delayed, Downing Street has confirmed.
The charter, published in March, called for a new system of independent press regulation and was supported by the three main political parties. It was due to be presented to the Queen for approval on May 15.
However, the newspaper industry has put forward an alternative charter supporting a new, self-regulatory body which would keep the press free from political interference but would still meet the recommendations of Leveson.
As such, Downing Street has confirmed the charter will be delayed to enable consideration of the alternative charter, which will be open for comment on the Privy Council website until 23 May.
Government sources told BBC deputy political editor James Landale that the Privy Council would hold "a period of openness" before deciding whether to hold a full eight-week consultation over the newspapers' plans.
They said it meant the cross-party plans were more likely to be considered by the council in either June or July.
The Newspaper Society welcomed news of the delay, saying: "We have always said the Independent Royal Charter would be open to consultation and are confident it will receive the widespread public support shown in opinion polls.
"It already has the backing of the vast majority of the newspaper and magazine industry."