The idea of legislating the press can’t just be based on the principle of castigating the press, which is the mindset people approach the problem with. The idea of legislating the press is also to afford protections to them that would stop instances like the Trafigura nonsense.

If the PCC isn’t able to sufficiently hold the press to account, and the law can be abused in order to silence things clearly in the public interest, then the system isn’t working. Well-constructed, balanced legislation that approaches the issues from the idea of fairness on both protections and assurances of freedoms has to be considered.

But really, do you expect a Tory head who supports the Tory government to say anything else? Cameron doesn’t want to rock any boats he’ll need to be sympathetic toward him, and so at least until he’s secured the election and can start making some headway on real policy, he won’t dare touch the PCC or legislate.

Too many editors are afraid of legislation because they see it as a tool of punishment, not empowerment.