Records of the Inquiry into the Culture, Practices and Ethics of the Press (The Leveson...

LEV

2011-2013

Records of the Inquiry into the Culture, Practices and Ethics of the Press (The Leveson Inquiry), announced by the Government on 13 July 2011.

The website and video recordings for the Inquiry: LEV 1.

Transcripts and evidence: LEV 2 .

Judicial reviews and administrative records: LEV 3.

Public Record(s)

English

3 series

Open unless otherwise stated

Inquiry into the Culture, Practices and Ethics of the Press (The Leveson Inquiry)

On 13 July 2011 the Prime Minister announced a two-part inquiry formed under the Inquiries Act 2005 investigating the role of the press and police in the recent 'phone-hacking scandal'. Two days prior to the announcement, the Guardian newspaper had reported that journalists working on behalf of the News of the World had 'hacked' the mobile phone belonging to Milly Dowler, a teenager abducted and murdered in 2002. This allegation followed a number of similar incidents of voicemail interception dating back to 2005, alleged victims including high profile individuals such as celebrities, Government officials, and members of the Royal Household.

Lord Justice Leveson was appointed as Chairman of the Inquiry, and on 14 November 2011 he opening the hearing by saying: 'The press provides an essential check on all aspects of public life. That is why any failure within the media affects all of us. At the heart of this Inquiry, therefore, may be one simple question: who guards the guardians?'.

Part One of the Inquiry examined the culture, practices and ethics of the press and, in particular, the relationship of the press with the public, police and politicians. This was approached in four Modules: Module 1: The relationship between the press and the public, looking at phone-hacking and other potentially illegal behaviour. Module 2: The relationships between the press and police and the extent to which that has operated in the public interest.Module 3: The relationship between press and politicians. Module 4: Recommendations for a more effective policy and regulation that supports the integrity and freedom of the press while encouraging the highest ethical standards.

In August 2011, written submissions were invited from a range of organisations and individuals in relation to module 1 of the Inquiry, and general comments, submissions and evidence were also invited from anyone who wished to submit them. Formal evidence hearings started on 14 November 2011 at the Royal Courts of Justice. Closing submissions for Module 4 were held on 24 July 2012. Lord Justice Leveson published his Report on Part 1 of the Inquiry on 29 November 2012.

Part Two of the Inquiry will investigate the extent of unlawful or improper conduct within News International and other media organisations, and how the police investigated allegations. The second part of the Inquiry will not commence until the current police investigations and any subsequent criminal proceedings have been completed.