Controversial laws to give the state a role in regulating national newspapers are to be called for in the Leveson report into media ethics, according to leaked information. Newspapers which refuse to obey rulings by a new press watchdog should face big fines, and this regulator will have to answer to MPs, according to sources close to the inquiry. The Mail on Sunday’s information is based on well-placed sources close to the inquiry. The report is not yet completed and the final content could change. However, it is believed Lord Justice Leveson has decided a degree of state regulation is essential.

(Dr. Benny Peiser)