MALVERN’S MP Harriett Baldwin has defended local newspapers after proposals by Lord Justice Leveson to curb the press.

After Prime Minister David Cameron said he had “misgivings” about any statutory laws which prevent freedom of speech, Mrs Baldwin said it was vital local newspapers continue to flourish.

The much-anticipated Leveson report calls for the creation of a brand new independent watchdog – backed by law – with the potential to fine publications up to £1 million for stepping out of line.

But it also suggested the main thrust of the body will be to ensure a simpler, quicker “arbitration system” which also means corrections are printed more prominently in newspapers.

Mrs Baldwin said: “The whole country was rightly offended by the treatment of innocent, ordinary families by some branches of the media.

“However, not all media should be tarred with the same brush and I raised the important role played by local and re gional papers with the Prime Minister.

“I think Lord Justice Leveson’s recommendations are extensive and merit close scrutiny but I don’t support all of them and would not want to them adopted in a wholesale fashion.” Other Worcestershire MPs were similarly supportive of the local press.

Worcester MP Robin Walker said: “I’m not allergic to legislation but we have to make sure any new statute does not, in any way prevent freedom of speech, and does still allow the media to speak freely.”

Peter Luff, MP for Mid- Worcestershire, believes there is nothing to fear for well-run local newspapers.

“I won’t reach a final view until I’ve seen the executive summary in full, but my initial instinct is that it seems to strike the right balance,” he said.

AT A GLANCE: WHAT THE REPORT SAYS

The 2,000-page report says a new independent regulator should replace the existing Press Complaints Commission.

It would contain a board completely free of editors, aiming to ensure corrections appear more prominently in newspapers when errors are made. The new board aims to be free of any influence from the Government or the media industry, and will be underpinned by some form of law. Newspapers will not be forced to sign up but those which do not will fall under the regulatory remit of Ofcom.

Fines of one per cent of turnover, up to a maximum of £1 million would be dished out for publications responsible for “serious or systematic breaches” of a new standards code.

MPs would have to keep records of meetings with editors, proprietors and senior media executives, and publish them on a quarterly basis, as well as a summary of what was said.