Leveson To Be Grilled By MPs Later This Month

Lord Justice Leveson will give evidence to MPs about press regulation later this month.

The judge, who oversaw the inquiry into press ethics sparked by the phone hacking scandal, has told the culture, media and sport select committee he can appear on July 24.

MPs had hoped he would be able to appear before Parliament breaks up for the summer recess on July 18 but he was unable to do so.

The session will be the first time Lord Justice Leveson has spoken publicly about the issue since he published his report last November.

He has reportedly previously refused to appear before the committee, arguing that as a judge he did not need to explain his approach to MPs.

It comes as a stalemate continues over how to proceed with the shake-up of the press, with politicians and campaigners supporting one Royal Charter and the industry another.

MPs are expected to ask Lord Justice Leveson why his report did not address wider claims of phone hacking and surveillance by law and insurance firms.

He is also likely to face questions about reports of an affair between a lawyer to his inquiry and a barrister who represented stars complaining about their treatment by the press.

Progress on the cross-party Royal Charter agreed back in March has been delayed after the press industry put forward its own proposals.

It is not now due to be considered by the Privy Council until the autumn because the Council's rule dictate it has to look at the press-backed plan first.

The industry's charter is on the agenda to be noted at a meeting on July 10 but no discussions are expected as the Council does not meet over the summer.

Victims of press intrusion have written an open letter to the Culture Secretary urging her to push ahead with its implementation.

But Maria Miller's Department of Culture, Media and Sport is understood to be wary about the risk of a legal challenge if it does not follow the process to the letter.

Madeleine McCann's parents and Harry Potter author JK Rowling were among those to argue that consideration of the industry's charter has now run its course.

"A tiny if powerful vested interest with a record of causing harm to the public is challenging the democratic will of Parliament. We feel it is your duty to stand up to this," the letter said.

"It would be appalling if such people, in defiance of the will of the rest of society, were allowed to delay the implementation of a Government policy that has been formally approved by Parliament."

At PMQs, David Cameron defended the delays - blaming procedural arrangements - but insisted he had not changed his view.

"We have to follow the correct legal processes," he told MP. "The legal advice, which we have shared with the Leader of the Opposition and his deputy, is that we have to take these things in order.

"We have to take the press's Royal Charter first and then we have to bring forward the Royal Charter on which we have all agreed.

"I think the press's Royal Charter has some serious shortcomings so no, I haven't changed my view."