Prime Minister David Cameron is reportedly weighing up the advantages of establishing an independent press watchdog by Royal Charter, a possible third way between statury backing and full independence, as a way of placating those who are demanding the full implementation of the Leveson report.
According to The Telegraph Cameron could ask the Queen to formally recognise the new watchdog in a bid to impart some independent legitimacy to the outfit, in a similar fashion to the process behind creation of the BBC.
The Charter is renewed every 10 years but cannot be changed without government approval, meaning the organisation cannot unilaterally opt to change its remit and politicians are excluded its operation.
The Telegraph quoted a Conservative source as saying: “The combination of a Royal Charter and a judge presiding over the body will give the public the confidence required that the press body will be rigorous and independent."
Hacked Off, a group campaigning for statutory underpinning of a new watchdog, criticised the plans however, saying anything less was ‘pointless’.