The Leveson Inquiry was a public inquiry into the ethics of the British Press. This inquiry was sparked by the ‘News International, phone hacking scandal’ and was advised by Prime Minister, David Cameron. The inquiry was chaired by Lord Justice Leveson (Brian Leveson).

This ‘scandal’ came about after many newspaper journalists were accused of phone hacking . Investigations from 2005 to 2007 showed that this was mainly directed towards celebrities and public figures (such as politicians). However, in 2011, further investigation displayed that members of the public, such as victims of the ‘7th July London Bombings’, were also hacked.

The Leveson Report was published in November 2012, this reviewed the British media. It also proposed a recommendation for a new organisation to take over the ‘Press Complaints Commission’. This new organisation would be recognised by the UK Government.

Following events at ‘The News of the World’, Part 2 of the inquiry was delayed. In 2017, this was dropped. Matt Hancock confirmed this in 2018. David Cameron appreciated the evidence although didn’t followed through with new legislation.