This government upholds the core principle of freedom of expression, recognising the invaluable role a free press plays in our cultural and democratic life. We are committed to independent self-regulation of the press and do not interfere in settling press complaints, as long as the press abides by the law particularly with regard to libel and defamation. It is therefore not the role of government to interfere with the practices of independent regulators with regard to the printing of corrections.

Independent press self-regulators, the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) and IMPRESS, have an editors’ code to which their members are expected to adhere, and, in line with Lord Justice Leveson’s recommendations, they have the power to direct the placement and prominence of corrections. On several occasions IPSO has ordered corrections to be made on the front page.

Department for Culture, Media and Sport