Discriminatory Reporting Powers
In conjunction with Recommendation 11 above, consideration should also be given to Code amendments which, while fully protecting freedom of speech and the freedom of the press, would equip that body with the power to intervene in cases of allegedly discriminatory reporting, and in so doing reflect the spirit of equalities legislation.
- IPSO's Editors' Code includes Clause 12 on discrimination, but this only prohibits prejudicial or pejorative reference to an individual's characteristics. It does not extend to reporting about groups, as Leveson recommended (IPSO Editors' Code of Practice, accessed March 2026).
- IPSO has stated that Clause 12 cannot be used to address allegedly discriminatory reporting about groups, such as refugees or ethnic minorities, as it only covers individuals.
- IMPRESS's Standards Code includes a broader non-discrimination provision covering group-based reporting (IMPRESS, accessed March 2026).
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Accepted in Part
Response
Accepted in PartThe Prime Minister stated on 29 November 2012 that he accepted "the principles that Lord Justice Leveson has laid out" for independent self-regulation, including "an independent board, a standards code, an arbitration service and the power to demand up-front, prominent apologies and impose million-pound fines." However, he rejected statutory underpinning, expressing "serious concerns and misgivings" about crossing "the Rubicon of writing elements of press regulation into the law of the land." The Royal Charter on Self-Regulation of the Press was granted on 30 October 2013, establishing the Press Recognition Panel as the recognition body. IPSO was established in September 2014 but has not sought Royal Charter recognition. IMPRESS was recognised by the PRP in October 2016. Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/david-cameron-statement-in-response-to-the-leveson-inquiry-report
Published Evidence
Published assessments of progress from inspectorates, select committees, official progress reports, and other sources. Source type badge indicates whether each assessment is independent or government self-reported.
IPSO's Editors' Code includes Clause 12 on discrimination but this only applies to individuals, not groups. Leveson recommended the power to intervene in cases of discriminatory reporting more broadly, reflecting equalities legislation. IPSO cannot act on group discrimination complaints.
View detailed findings
Clause 12 addresses individual discrimination but not discriminatory reporting about groups. The recommendation for broader powers reflecting equalities legislation has not been fully implemented.