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October 16, 2013

Poll suggests three out of four Britons fear politicians would use statutory press regulation to silence criticism

By Darren Boyle

An opinion poll conducted by The Sun claimed that three out of four people are afraid politicians will use new press regulations to silence critical coverage.

The newspaper branded the Government’s plans as the introduction of a ‘Ministry for Truth’, claiming only 25 percent of those questioned wanted a Royal Charter.

The Sun claimed 40 per cent would prefer the newspapers to establish their own independent regulator with tough standards and legally binding contracts.

Almost half of those polled admitted the status quo was not satisfactory and some element of change was required.

However, 45 percent agreed that a politically based regulation regime would damage Press freedom.

The pollsters Yougov quizzed 2,683 adults over two days to come up with the data.

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