How is the press regulated in the UK?

The Government supports a free and responsible press as one of the cornerstones of democracy. Newspapers are independent of Government, and therefore the decision of what to, and what not to, publish, rests with newspaper editors (subject to the general law and the industry's own Code of Practice, overseen by the Press Complaints Commission). The Press Complaints Commission (PCC) Code sets out the duty of the press to maintain the highest professional and ethical standards. The Government does not interfere with editorial decisions, or seek to influence what articles are published.

If you feel there has been a breach of the PCC Code you should contact the Press Complaints Commission at:

Press Complaints Commission
Halton House
20-23 Holborn
London EC1N 2JD
Tel: 020 7831 0022
Fax: 020 7831 0025
Website: www.pcc.org.uk

The Government continues to believe that effective self regulation, with a Code Of Practice overseen by the PCC, is preferable to any statutory system. It expects the press to abide by the provisions of the general law, the terms and spirit of the Code, and the PCC's rulings. It also recognises that, as with any regulatory system, there is always room for improvement, and Ministers have no hesitation in suggesting such improvement to the industry, as and when appropriate.