A writer who inspired a city and a generation
Posted: April 11, 2014 Filed under: Culture, Leicester | Tags: Adrian Mole, Sue Townsend, The Queen and I Comments Off on A writer who inspired a city and a generation
One of Leicester’s most inspirational and influential writers
Leicester has moved from euphoria to shock in a matter of days.
The joy at seeing Leicester City finally confirm their long-awaited return to the Premier League has been swiftly replaced by grief over the passing of Sue Townsend, one of the city’s most notable and cherished literary figures.
When the news broke via social media. many reacted with shock and disbelief. It was only when Bali Rai, a fellow author and friend of Sue’s took to Twitter to confirm her death that rumours of a cruel hoax could finally be dispelled.
Born and raised in what might charitably be described as modest surroundings in the south of Leicester, Sue initially sowed few signs of the stratospheric talent that lay within her possession. Indeed she left school at 15 and became a mother while still in her teens. It was only once her second husband persuaded her to join a writers’ workshop at the former Phoenix Theatre that her prowess as a writer became apparent.
Sue was best known for her numerous works featuring the progress of Adrian Mole from adolescence to middle age. Mole was a socially-awkward individual with whom many in the 1980s could readily identify, and he soon attracted a substantial following which has remained loyal through the decades.
But Sue’s creative talents extended well beyond that. Her book, The Queen and I, in which the royal family is forced into internal exile on a Midlands council estate, displayed a particularly keen, and much-appreciated sense of humour which succeeded in disarming and pacifying the most ardent of monarchists.
Wealth and fame did not spoil her in any way, shape or form. Despite battling with diabetes and consequent blindness during the later years of her life, Sue remained in touch with her working-class roots and became a fierce critic of New Labour, particularly in the aftermath of the Iraq war.
The volume and range of tributes to her on social media, even during the early hours, illustrate the deep affection with which Sue was regarded, not just in Leicester and Leicestershire, but nationally and beyond.
She was warm, witty and a wonderful writer. It is to be hoped that the city council will devise a fitting way of celebrating her life and honouring her memory in a manner which will reflect the enormous esteem in which she was held within the community.
Sue was an iconic talent, who will be greatly missed by family, friends and followers alike.
Comedy proves just the tonic for the Regent!
Posted: March 6, 2014 Filed under: Culture, Leicester | Tags: Dave's Leicester Comedy Festival, Just The Tonic, Leicester, Regent Club Comments Off on Comedy proves just the tonic for the Regent!
Just The Tonic banner outside the club during the Festival
A city centre club has received widespread acclaim for its debut role in this year’s Leicester Comedy Festival.
Over 1000 people attended shows at the Regent Sports and Social Club, at 102 Regent Road, during the Festival.
The Regent staged the performances in association with local comedy club Just The Tonic. Its programme was opened by comedian Marlon Davis on Friday 7 February and ended with a show by sketch group Mixed Doubles on Sunday 23 February.
Colin Hall, spokesperson for the club, said “ We’re thrilled and delighted by the support the community have given us”.
“We contacted the Festival organisers last summer about the possibility of hosting a few events. They referred us to Just the Tonic, who devised a programme for us.
“Hosting over 30 shows during the course of the Festival was quite a challenge for the club. But the staff and members responded magnificently.
“We provided a warm, welcoming environment which was enthusiastically received and praised by acts and audiences alike.”
Several of the performers gave lavish praise to the club on social networks, describing it as “awesome”, “a great venue” and “absolutely delightlful”.
The Festival has also swelled the Regent’s coffers by several thousand pounds, with over 1200 pints of real ale being sold during its duration. Wine and cider also proved popular with customers.
Mr Hall added, “Like many licensed premises, the Regent has had to battle with tough trading conditions in recent years.
“There have been times when our future has looked a little uncertain. But the extra income that the Festival has given us has helped to ensure we’ll be around for many years to come.”
“Our profile within the local community has received a real boost, with increased interest from local residents and businesses alike.
“Many people have told us they couldn’t believe they had such a wonderful facility on their doorstep.”
The club has received a further boost after being shortlisted for the Best Small Venue award.
The winner will be announced at the Festival awards ceremony which will be held at the Mercure Hotel, Granby Street on Monday 17 March.
Mr Hall said, “We’re deeply honoured to have been given this accolade. It’s a fitting recognition for the exceptional efforts made by club staff and members to ensure our events would be a success.
“We felt we could make a contribution to the continuing success of the Festival. This nomination shows we have done just that”.
Further information on the Regent Club is available at http://www.regentleicester.co.uk
Further details on Just The Tonic is available at http://www.justthetonic.com
City residents urged not to face debt alone
Posted: January 23, 2014 Filed under: Leicester | Tags: debt, Money Wise, Poverty Comments Off on City residents urged not to face debt aloneA pioneering Leicester project to help improve people’s money confidence is encouraging people to not face debt alone and get help sooner, during National Debt Awareness Week (January 20-24).
Leicester Money Wise, a Big Lottery funded project, supports people to understand the financial choices they have, increase access to mainstream banking for social housing tenants and improve people’s ability to manage their money.
The Money Wise project is a partnership with Action Homeless, Community Advice Law and Service, The Y, Leicester City Council and all major social housing providers in the city. The funding bid was made Leicester’s voluntary and community sector consortium, Reaching People, with ASRA Housing Group as the managing partner.
A recent survey of people in Leicester city centre conducted by Moneywise showed that 38% of people asked would like support in managing their finances – and of this group only 12.5% said they had some savings and nobody had house insurance. Further answers showed that this group had little access to main stream credit, relying on catalogues and payday loans to get by.
Figures from national debt charity Step Change, which runs National Debt Week, show from 2011 to 2012 there was an increase of 109% in the number of people with payday loans and 42% of clients aged under 25 had payday loan debts, up from 25% in 2011.
Amanda Hack, head of economic development at ASRA Housing Group, said: “Our message is very clear – if you are a social housing tenant and have money worries then we are here to help you. The advice is free and independent from the housing provider.
“The period after Christmas can be a very difficult one, especially for those in debt as more bills start to come through. We would encourage anyone who is facing financial problems to speak to us as we can help now – don’t leave it any longer to get your finances back on track.”
Over the next four years Money Wise aims to particularly help those aged 18-25, those who have experienced recent changes in their employment, and those new to social housing by offering advice on managing money. This will be done through one-to-one sessions and throughout the project, group work, interactive gaming, online support, mentoring and a resident network.
For more information visit www.getmoneywise.org.uk or call 0116 242 1153.
Help available for Leicester residents in social housing
Our Time To Shine
Posted: November 6, 2013 Filed under: City Council, Culture, Leicester | Tags: Leicester2017, UK City of Culture Comments Off on Our Time To Shine
Leicester is proud to be bidding to become UK City of Culture 2017. The decision on this honour will be announced by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) on 20 November.
Our bid has showcased the creativity and diversity of its people –people who have backed the bid in song, in pictures and even in pastry… Will it be enough? Keep everything crossed for us!
The bid highlight Leicester’s strengths as a cultural destination: a city that’s attractive to its residents, many visitors, and potential investors. We will do this in four ways…
Building pride in our city
We will build up pride in Leicester making our city more visible to the rest of the UK, Europe and the world.
Opening up culture to all
We want to open up culture to everyone in the city, county and beyond. We also want our activities, people and venues to create cultural opportunities and long lasting partnerships.
Sharing the benefits
We will share the success of our growing visitor economy, and the expertise of our creative industries, by increasing opportunities to learn about culture through education and training.
Connecting young people with culture
We want our young people to enjoy culture. Over 50% of our population is under 30 and we want them to engage with culture and the wider city.
Here’s why we believe Leicester is the ideal candidate:
An eventful city
Our cultural scene covers art, craft and design, dance, film, music and theatre. We also have a great track record for hosting big events and a rich history that includes the recent discovery of King Richard III’s remains.
Diwali
Leicester’s Diwali celebrations are among the biggest outside of India, with up to 35,000 people attending the annual switch on of the lights on Belgrave Road.
Dave’s Leicester Comedy Festival
Britain’s longest-running comedy festival, nationally acclaimed as “one of the top five comedy festivals in the world”
Richard III Exhibition
This record–breaking exhibition tells the story of King Richard III, his life and the search for his lost remains.
In Leicester, a successful bid could be worth millions of pounds to the local economy – and could lead to the creation of around 6,000 new jobs in the arts, entertainment and recreation sector by 2020.
An exciting programme of events in 2017 would attract visitors to Leicestershire in their thousands – and should make everyone in Leicester feel proud that the city they call home has finally got the recognition it deserves.
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT
It’s easy to show your support and you can do this in several ways.
Pledge your support on Twitterand Facebook.
Follow us on Twitter (@Leicester2017) and share with us how you’re backing the bid.
Use the hashtags, #Leicester2017 and #UKCityofCulture, so you’re part of the conversation.
Help us spread the word about Leicester’s bid, Tweet from your personal or organisation’s profile to show you’re backing the bid!
Show that you’re supporting the bid by using our suggested tweet below:
I’m backing the bid to make Leicester the #UKCityofCulture 2017. Follow @leicester2017 and RT to show your support! #Leicester2017
For added impact, send this tweet to the DCMS (@DCMS)
Like us on facebook and send your messages of support, images and videos.
Help spread the word about Leicester’s bid, post on your personal or organisation’s profile to show you’re backing the bid!
Big up the bid by posting our suggested facebook message below:
I’m backing the bid to make Leicester the UK City of Culture 2017. Like their page to show your support too! facebook.com/leicester2017
Further information is available from the official bid website http://www.leicestercityofculture2017.co.uk/
Online success for Leicestershire author
Posted: May 13, 2013 Filed under: Culture, Ebooks, Leicester | Tags: Fiction Comments Off on Online success for Leicestershire author
Not So Noble Books, the independent digital publisher, is proud to announce the release of Dan Carver’s wildly funny and dark new novel RUIN NATION.
Released Friday May 3, the ebook RUIN NATION is a hilarious dystopian thriller describing a very British apocalypse. Filled with more than a fair share of horsemeat, lying politicians, marauding leopards and booze-soaked masses we witness the rise of a new establishment from the ruins of the old order.
Quite why the Welsh, Scots and the French turned their backs on the UK is not yet known, but hero Hugo Jupiter, a dishonourably discharged Army Surgeon, does his damnedest to find out.
RUIN NATION shot up in the Amazon charts on release, hitting the no.2 spot in the political fiction category and leaving authors the likes of John Grisham in its dust.
‘New writer’s hilarious vision of a blockaded Britain where only the drunk survive hits bestseller spot.’
About Not So Noble Books
Dan Carver’s book follows Not So Noble Book’s penchant for producing ebooks very much of the times, such as ‘Woof Hall’, a parody of the Royal romance by Hilarity Mental, and Marketing is Violence, a challenge to the demigods of the sign.
London digital publishers Erik Empson and Jasper Joffe are proving just how you can sell books on the net. Since launching in June of last year, Not So Noble Books has added over twenty titles to its fast growing catalogue of fiction and non-fiction which doesn’t conform.
Joffe comments: “Ebooks allow near daily revision of texts, covers, blurbs etc. They have changed what a book is, and allow direct access to the public without the filter of agents or big publishers. We can find the newest and best talent and get their books out there faster than ever.”
Download the book on amazon here:
NOT SO NOBLE BOOKS: http://www.radicaleyes.it/notsonoblebooks/
Contact for press copies or images: notsonoblebooks@gmail.com
A dedicated, devoted public servant – Phil Swift 1938-2013
Posted: April 15, 2013 Filed under: City Council, Leicester | Tags: Anti-poverty, Labour Party, Trade unions Comments Off on A dedicated, devoted public servant – Phil Swift 1938-2013
Phil Swift, who served as a member of Leicester City Council for 20 years from 1983 to 2003, and was Lord Mayor of Leicester at the turn of the millennium, has died at the age of 74 after a short illness.
His passion for social justice, especially in the workplace, earned him substantial and lasting respect among the community, and the local Labour movement in particular.
Born in the Belgian Congo to missionary parents, Phil was raised in Wales and Scotland, completing an apprenticeship as a bricklayer after leaving school in Arbroath. An avid motorcyclist, he survived horrific injuries sustained in a crash which kept him in hospital for more than a year and left him with a permanent limp.
After moving to Leicester to join an uncle (local author Eric Swift) in the mid-1960s, Phil worked in a variety of trades, serving as a representative of the National Union of Hosiery and Knitwear Workers for eight years and a health and safety representative for six years. He joined the Labour Party in 1980 and was first elected to Leicester City Council in May 1983.
One of his most notable achievements during his time as a Councillor was the successful campaign to secure a minimum wage for Council staff, long before this policy was adopted at national level.
In addition, Phil also played a significant role in securing funding for the much-needed redevelopment of the St Andrews estate within his ward, and backed the campaign to rename his local park after Nelson Mandela, during a time when the struggle against apartheid aroused considerable enmity from the local British National Party and others.
However, his commitment and principles did not always find favour with the Council leadership. For much of his time at the authority, the incomes of full-time members were heavily dependent upon their membership of Council and external committees, and therefore the patronage of officers of the majority group. There were occasions where Phil endured considerable financial hardship as a result of his stance against the Council’s compliance with government-imposed cuts.
Nevertheless, he continued to enjoy the support of voters in Castle ward, who re-elected him to the City Council on six separate occasions. He was also an invaluable source of help, support and inspiration to constituents, Council staff and colleagues alike.
In May 1999, the Council elected Phil as Lord Mayor of Leicester for the 1999-2000 civic year. He formed a successful professional partnership with Marilyn Hall (mother of the Leicester Voice editor) who became his Lady Mayoress. During their year of office, they represented the city with distinction and grace both locally and internationally, raising over £100 000 in their civic charity appeal for the Leicester Children’s Holiday Home.
A combination of failing health and deep political disaffection with “new” Labour caused Phil to withdraw almost completely from public life after his retirement from the Council in 2003. A stroke in 2008 forced him to relocate from his beloved flat in Lower Hastings Street to sheltered accommodation elsewhere in the city – a traumatic upheaval from which he never fully recovered. He passed away at Glenfield Hospital after developing a lung infection.
His interests included blues music, art, and snooker. He was also a keen follower of Celtic and Liverpool football clubs, and was particularly delighted to witness the match between Brazil (world champions at the time) and Jamaica in Leicester in October 2003.
While many in Leicester and elsewhere will mourn the passing of a dear and valued friend, the community will lament the loss of a devoted, dedicated and deeply conscientious public servant.
Phil’s funeral service will take place on Tuesday 30 April (1.00 pm) at Gilroes Crematorium in Leicester, followed by a private cremation.
Donations in his memory can be made to Leicester Children’s Holiday Home, either by cheque to Shaftesbury Hall,1 Holy Bones, Leicester, LE1 4LJ or online at http://www.justgiving.com/mablethorpe.
Phillip Ronald Swift – born Ibambi, Belgian Congo 18 July 1938, died Leicester 11 April 2013.
CITY TAKES LEAD TO RID GAME OF RACISM
Posted: March 24, 2013 Filed under: Football, Leicester | Tags: African-Caribbean Centre, grassroots clubs, Kick It Out, Leicester Nirvana FC Comments Off on CITY TAKES LEAD TO RID GAME OF RACISM
The message is clear – but how widely is it being heeded?
Many readers and viewers of large sections of the mainstream media may be forgiven for believing that the battle against racism in British football has already been won.
Incidents in Serbia and Italy, in which English fans – and even players – have been verbally and physically assaulted, have provoked widespread demands for authorities in those countries to put their house in order and introduce effective measures to combat racist abuse.
Many pundits making these demands have cited England as the benchmark that should be followed, in the belief that these issues, commonplace here a generation ago, have all but died out.
However, a number of incidents involving black players and fans during the current season, at both professional and grassroots level, have shown that this is far from the case. The assault on an Asian Manchester United fan on a crowded tram following a recent home match illustrates that the fears that continue to deter many fans from actively following their club are not entirely unfounded.
In the wake of such events, many stakeholders have formed the view that further initiatives are needed in order to eradicate racism entirely.
The Race For Football National Roadshow was officially launched in Leicester on 20 March. Over a hundred people attended a meeting at the African-Caribbean Centre, to discuss issues of racial discrimination and share their experiences of past events and frustrations.
Representatives from the FA, Leicestershire FA and Kick It Out responded to questions from members of the audience.. All three governing bodies were keen to stress their commitment to forge better working partnerships with grassroots clubs.
Another encouraging aspect of the event was the amount of media interest it received. Interviews from BBC East Midlands were broadcast live on the night and it was also covered by Sky Sports News and BBC Radio Leicester.
The roadshow aims to raise the awareness of black/minority ethnic communities in the UK at both the professional level and within the grass roots game to empower players, managers, coaches, referees and staff to set the agenda on race and diversity issues and to work collectively to do so.
However there is another element whose involvement in the campaign will be essential in order to ensure its success – namely the fans. Links need to be established with groups such as the Football Supporters Federation and Supporters Direct in order to ensure that the message is heard by the target audience.
As urban communities become ever more diverse, the commercial need to promote social inclusion in order to attract and retain supporters from all sections of those communities is now being recognised as being every bit as essential as the moral one
The recent appointment of Greg Dyke as incoming Chair of the Football Association is an encouraging sign that the organisation is prepared to continue to promote inclusion within the game.
His experience and political skills will be crucial in order to persuade sceptics that the FA can deliver progress as well as rhetoric.
Thanks to Leicester Nirvana FC for information assisting with this article
These city investors deserve a return
Posted: February 25, 2013 Filed under: Culture, Leicester | Tags: City Centre, nightlife Comments Off on These city investors deserve a returnYards away from one of the most famous car parks in the world, another of Leicester’s treasures has been unearthed.
But while the recently-excavated remains of King Richard III provided an eminent example of the city’s prestigious past, the Bankers Club, in Friar Lane, is seeking to attract modern-day movers and shakers.
The venue’s name pays due homage to its previous use as the home of the Phoenix Assurance Company, who vacated the site some years ago.
The club aims to provide a discreet, secure and stylish ambience which will enchant and entice a select group of followers. With a prime location in the heart of Leicester’s professional quarter, it is already attracting considerable attention from representatives of the city’s top financial, property and law companies.
Judging by the favourable response that was evident at the corporate launch on Friday 22 February, it seems set to become a firm favourite in the area.
During the launch, a visibly diverse audience of men and women, from across Leicester’s age ranges and racial groupings, enjoyed an exquisite range of canapes, washed down with complimentary champagne.
Many of the guests present indicated their intention to promote the delights on offer within the club among the local community, especially as corporate membership is FREE for the first twelve months.
The luxurious facilities provide substantial opportunites for both formal and informal networking.
Offering both light lunchtime nibbles, and convivial ground-floor and basement lounge areas for evening refreshment, the Bankers Club provides a uniquely sophisticated, elegant and entertaining environment, as well as a discretion and commitment to personal security which elevates it above other, more established parts of Leicester’s local night scene.
The club’s team of highly-experienced, fully-trained bar and security staff are dedicated to delivering the highest standard of customer service. For select groups, an individual waiter service can be provided to ensure that instant attention can be given to premium customers.
In addition, further exclusivity can be offered on request, with smaller dining areas accessible for reservation to those members seeking greater privacy or intimacy.
With a wide range of wines, spirits, champagnes and cocktails, plus several premium European beers available on draught, the venue seeks to meet the needs of all types of discerning drinker.
Members seeking to entertain those particularly-important guests, or wishing to enjoy the occasional self-indulgence, can place an order for their own favourite brand, and store it within their personal, individual vault.
In conversation with the club’s owners, their determination to succeed with this venture was evident in every word they spoke. They left no doubt about their desire to oversee a venue which is renowned throughout the city, county and region, as well as contributing to Leicester’s continuing expansion and regeneration. On visiting the club, their blend of ambition, enthusiasm and optimism was reflected in the atmosphere within it.
The charms of this venue are certain to leave many of its visitors wanting more. It’s certainly more dignified than some of the other erstwhile resting-places in the immediate vicinity..
The Bankers Club is at 10 Friar Lane, Leicester LE1 5RA. To enquire about membership, call 0116 262 1932 or email thebankersclub@gmail.com. Its website will be launched soon.
More sporting glory for Leicester in 2013?
Posted: January 1, 2013 Filed under: Basketball, Cricket, Football, Hockey, Leicester, Leicestershire, Speedway, Sport | Tags: Leicester City FC, Leicester Hockey Club, Leicester Lions, Leicester Riders, Leicester Tigers, Leicestershire CCC Comments Off on More sporting glory for Leicester in 2013?For a city of around 300000 inhabitants, Leicester has often punched above its weight in sporting terms.
Indeed, the city has often taken great steps to promote and honour the teams and individuals who have contributed to such a rich sporting heritage. The sports statue near the Clock Tower is the most prominent example.
But as the new year dawns, what are the prospects of further honours for our local clubs?
The main focus will fall upon Leicester City, seeking to end the years of exile from the Premier League. Nigel Pearson’s side is currently well-placed to earn a playoff slot at least, but will be hoping for more.
A return to the top flight football would offer the global profile the club’s Thai and Chinese owners so keenly crave, as well as ensuring financial stability for years to come, with TV revenues set to rise sharply next season for Premier clubs.
By stark contrast, a further season of failure would incur yet another tour of some of English football’s less salubrious venues, with continuing attendant heavy losses threatening City’s long-term viability.
With these factors in mind, the 2013 playoffs will be particularly intense and frenetic, requiring considerable reserves of character, resilience and mental strength among players and management alike.
Unfortunately these are precisely the qualities which this City side have too often lacked in recent times. It is far from certain whether it would be able to withstand the burden of expectation to overcome this challenge.
On the other side of Aylestone Road, similar concerns arise regarding Leicester Tigers. Although the side secured victory in the LV Cup last year, the Premiership and Heineken Cup will again assume higher priority in the coming months.
At present, however, success on either front appears unlikely, with the side’s form away from Welford Road being more fallible than players, management and supporters would wish.
While is possible that Tigers may yet reach a ninth consecutive Premiership final, few would be confident in its ability to defeat whichever London/Home Counties franchise emerges this time around to command the allegiances of the majority of the Twickenham crowd.
A fairytale script would demand that skipper Geordan Murphy caps a glittering career by lifting another title crown. But suspicions remain that the side is not the force it has been in seasons past.
Meanwhile, expectations are somewhat lower for Leicestershire County Cricket Club, as they prepare for the current season.
With new captain Ramnaresh Sarwan at the helm for four-day matches, the Foxes will hope to improve on last season’s 7th-place finish in the County Championship 2nd Division.
However, it is unlikely that the progress of the relatively young squad will be enough this time around to secure promotion. Instead, hopes will be directed, as in previous years, towards success in the T20 and 40-over competitions.
The club will also be anxious to see a drier and warmer summer to attract higher attendances and exploit the interest in the sport generated by another Ashes series.
It is in hockey and basketball that the city’s sporting hopes are most likely to bear fruit. The Leicester Hockey Club are well set to defend their Championship crown, currently lying 2nd in the Premier League, while Rob Paternostro has built the strongest Riders team for a decade, and will hope to secure at least one trophy during the current season.
In addition, the Leicester Lions speedway team will be serious contenders for the Premier League title in their 3rd season at Beaumont Park, having risen from a wooden spoon place in 2011 to the playoffs last year.
The fortunes of all these sides, and others flying the flag for city and county, will continue to be keenly followed by sports fans. We wish them every possible success during the next 12 months and beyond.
Why Leicester should welcome the Leveson Report
Posted: December 1, 2012 Filed under: Leicester, Leicestershire, Media | Tags: Leveson, McCanns Comments Off on Why Leicester should welcome the Leveson Report
Leveson – report looks for reform not revolution
Local heart surgeon Gerry McCann launched a scathing attack on the Prime Minister yesterday – and rightly so.
David Cameron chose to reject the proposal for an independent regulator of the press – a key recommendation of the Leveson Report.
In doing so, Cameron demonstrated a clear contempt both for the inquiry process and for the vast majority of those that submitted evidence to it.
So it was hardly a surprise that Dr McCann, along with JK Rowling, Hugh Grant and representatives of the Hillsborough Justice Campaign, have been highly critical of him.
Dr McCann and his wife have suffered incredible grief in the five and a half years since their daughter went missing.
But when they looked to the press for help and support, too often they found intrusion and on occasion, open hostility instead.
They gave evidence to Leveson in order to serve the wider public interest and it is vital that their evidence is given due recognition and respect.
Leveson concluded that a whole range of practices – from phone hacking to covert surveillance, to harassment, to other wrongful behaviour – were widespread, and all in breach of the code of conduct by which the press was supposed to abide.
While few, if any, of these practices were followed at local level, their influence on editors and reporters, some of whom aspired to progress to national posts, was clear.
The industry regularly tested, and may occasionally even have breached, legal boundaries in pursuit of stories designed to undermine key public organisations and individuals associated with them.
As with its national counterpart, it looked to make the news, rather than merely report on it.
So what safeguards can be put in place to stop these malpractices from recurring in future?
Leveson’s recommendations may not have gone as far as some media critics may have wished. But others, including Labour and the Liberal Democrats, have accepted them as measured and essential. Opinion polls have shown substantial majorities in favour of increased regulation, in spite of determined and widespread resistance within the industry itself.
Some of the press’s worst lapses during the past thirty years have occurred when papers have colluded with the government of the day, instead of exercising their duty to challenge it.
The Hillsborough disaster was one notable example, as were the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and, more recently, coverage of the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.
The industry has made several assurances about its behaviour before. None of these have been honoured. All too often, “self-regulation” has proved to mean “no regulation”. That has to change.
The House of Commons indicated a willingness to defy David Cameron in July 2011, when he appeared to misread the public mood on the need for a public inquiry. He was eventually persuaded to change his mind and appoint Leveson.
Now the time has come for the House to demonstrate the same independence again and ensure that the Leveson recommendations are implemented in full.
Only then will Dr McCann, other victims of press intrusion and – crucially – the public at large, be satisfied that justice has been served.
Leicester Voice 