Theresa May has tough job of sorting out mess of press regulation Cameron left — we should help her decide the fate of free press
Ex-PM David Cameron's foolish inquiry cost us £50m & could spell doom for struggling newspapers — we must take action
WE don’t envy Theresa May having to sort out the dog’s dinner on press regulation her predecessor left.
David Cameron’s foolish inquiry cost taxpayers almost £50 million and barely touched on news provided by internet giants Facebook and Google.
Worst of all it created a condition under which a publication that rejects state intrusion would be forced to pay the entire legal costs of anyone who sues them, whether they win or lose.
This perversion of justice would spell doom for struggling local newspapers and kill investigative journalism.
So the Government announcement of a consultation is welcome and a chance for everyone to make the case for protecting our vibrant media from interference by MPs or unelected Lords.
Don’t leave it to the likes of Hugh Grant and Max Mosley to decide the fate of the free press.
Fifa poppy farce
WHY should anyone obey Fifa’s wishes?
It’s been embroiled in embarrassing scandals for years and only 12 months ago President Sepp Blatter and a host of top officials quit due to bribery charges.
Fifa preaches harmony and diversity but doles out pathetically small fines for racist or homophobic chanting.
And it handed the job of hosting the World Cup to Russia and Qatar despite their glaring human rights abuses.
The FA should stick two fingers up at dodgy Fifa and let England players wear poppies on their shirts with pride.
We’re sure fans who believe in honouring Britain’s war heroes will help pay the fine.
Vazeline victory
SLIPPERY MP Keith Vaz is infamous for squirming out of job-ending controversies.
But even the man nicknamed ‘Vazeline’ won’t believe MPs voted him on to a House of Commons committee responsible for scrutinising legal policy.
Vaz has repeatedly broken Parliamentary rules, been linked to dodgy donations, and recently had to quit another prestigious role after being caught offering to buy cocaine for rent boys.
Pathetically, Tory MPs even helped put the scandal-ridden Vaz into his latest position of power.
The whole episode brings shame on Parliament.
Waste of space
IF the Government is serious about solving the housing crisis it can start by giving up some of its own land.
Civil servants are hoarding thousands of acres on which desperately-needed homes could and should be built.
Ministers talk a good game about wanting more affordable houses.
Now they need to show they mean it and hand over the land.