The proposed amendments would have threatened the free pass by trying to introduce Section 40 and reopen the Leveson inquiry, albeit in relation to data protection. I believe this would undermine high quality journalism and have a significant negative impact on local press, which is already struggling. The amendments were contrary to the 2017 Conservative Manifesto on which I was elected. The Manifesto stated that we would not be proceeding with Leveson 2 and would repeal Section 40. That is why I am glad the amendments were defeated.

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