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Labour ups the ante in press reform campaign with ‘blackmail’ threat

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By John Glenday, Reporter

March 11, 2013 | 1 min read

Labour has threatened to host all future government Bills hostage unless David Cameron acquiesces to their demands for a press regulator underpinned by statute, an escalation of the long simmering rift between the two major parties.

A period of tortuous negotiation is to conclude over the next 48 hours with all three party leaders striving to attain common ground, principally the idea of using a Royal Charter to set up the new body.

Big differences of opinion remain however, notably Labour’s call for the Royal Charter to be underpinned by law to prevent future political meddling, a wish which has prompted their threat to support a series of amendments to unrelated government bills.

It is thought that this pressure may force Cameron to buckle and accept some form of statute or face losing legislation.

Cameron, Clegg and Milliband will attempt to conclude the deal on Tuesday following a series of meetings held today by the main party’s chief negotiators.

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