Harriet Harman: Leveson is about 'strengthening press'

A deal has been struck between the three main political parties on measures to regulate the press, says Harriet Harman MP.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Labour's deputy leader explained that "a small piece of legislation" to the enterprise and regulatory reform bill will be tabled in the Lords later, stating rules regarding royal charters cannot be tampered with.

She said the deal was about making sure that there was an independent regulator "with teeth... so that if the press get something wrong, the regulator can direct them to correct it".

"It was a very proportionate and moderate set of proposals put forward by Lord Leveson," says Ms Harman, "and I actually think this is about strengthening the press, because the press cannot hold those in power to account if they abuse their own power."

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Monday 18 March 2013.