A NEW poll released yesterday reveals for the first time that voters do not believe press regulation is a priority for their MPs, believing time is better spent on more important issues such as the economy.
Furthermore, seven in 10 people believe there is no need for new laws or state regulation of the press.
The poll by Survation comes as the media awaits the recommendations of the Leveson Inquiry with the threat of legislation to curtail Press freedoms.
The poll, carried out on behalf of the Free Speech Network, also found that two-thirds are proud of Britain’s standing in the world as a model for press freedom and free speech, which would be in peril if the UK imposed statutory controls.
Highlights of the poll are:
Only 0.5% of people think regulation of press a priority and nine out of 10 do not list press regulation as a ‘Top Ten’ issue.
71% of people believe there is no need for new laws or state regulation of the press;
Two-thirds are proud of Britain’s standing in world as a model of press freedom and free speech and 91% support free speech.
Two-thirds want to see libel laws amended to get actions settled more cheaply.
Bob Satchwell, chairman of the Society of Editors said: “The British people are clear that they want a free press and free speech. We agree. This is why the industry supports a new system, independent of both government and the newspaper industry, to ensure the highest standards in the press without undermining its capacity to hold people such as politicians to account.
“We have established a free press in this country over 300 years – we don’t want to reverse this trend.
“It would send a terrible signal to emerging democracies around the world if this was to end. How can we encourage the freedom of the press and free speech abroad if we are threatening it at home?”
