Andy Burnham considers new war on free speech with Hugh Grant-backed clampdown on newspapers

Andy Burnham is set to consider a new war on free speech by clamping down on newspapers, with support from a Hugh Grant-backed Hacked Off.

Hacked Off has spent 15 years campaigning for state regulation on Fleet Street, and for the second part of the Leveson inquiry into the culture and ethics of the press following the Rupert Murdoch phone hacking scandal.

Mr Grant has urged Labour's incoming leadership to revive efforts to tighten press regulation, arguing a change at the top presents a fresh opportunity to take on Britain's newspaper industry.

Speaking at a Hacked Off campaign event in Westminster, the actor said politicians should not fear antagonising newspaper owners, insisting they face hostile coverage regardless of whether they support the industry.

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"As we switch leadership of the Labour Party, switch Prime Ministers, there’s a chance finally to get something done," he told the event.

"All I say to whoever is the new Prime Minister is when you’re weighing up whether to do the right thing for the people against a massive corporation or to cosy up to those giant corporations for your own political career, bear this in mind: those media organisations are going to pour a bucket of s**t over you whatever you do.

"Whether you support them or whether you don’t."

Sir Keir Starmer ruled out reviving Leveson Part Two shortly after taking office, but Mr Burnham's longstanding support for stronger press regulation has encouraged campaigners

During his time as shadow home secretary, Mr Burnham described the second stage of the inquiry as "non-negotiable" and backed Section 40 of the Crime and Courts Act, which would have encouraged publishers to join a state-backed regulator by exposing non-members to legal costs even if they successfully defended court claims.

The legislation was repealed by the Conservatives before it came into force, but Mr Burnham has reportedly indicated he has not abandoned the wider principles behind it.

Mr Grant and fellow actor Steve Coogan met Mr Burnham during his recent by-election campaign, prompting speculation that press reform could return to the political agenda.

Former Sun editor David Yelland said on X that there is a "real disquiet among the editor class," concerned Mr Burnham may be more willing than Mr Starmer to revisit Leveson-style reforms.

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The original Leveson Inquiry, launched after widespread phone hacking at News International titles, heard evidence from figures including Mr Grant, Sienna Miller, JK Rowling, Rupert Murdoch, Rebekah Brooks and former Prime Minister David Cameron.

Its report recommended replacing the Press Complaints Commission with a new regulator underpinned by statute, proposals fiercely opposed by much of the newspaper industry.

The debate, however, has shifted significantly since the report was published in 2012.

The influence of traditional newspapers has declined as audiences have moved online, while ministers have become increasingly focused on tackling misinformation and harmful content circulating on social media.

That focus has been reflected in proposals unveiled this week by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, who wants technology platforms including YouTube, Facebook and X to give greater prominence to content from public service broadcasters such as the BBC, ITV and Channel 4.

Technology companies have criticised the plans, arguing they would interfere with user choice and disadvantage independent creators.

Critics have also warned the proposals could represent a significant expansion of Government influence over online speech.

The Government has suggested that any publishers benefiting from greater prominence online could also face additional responsibilities, including stronger complaints procedures, greater transparency and higher editorial standards.

Ministers have declined to rule out linking those benefits to participation in a state-backed regulatory system.

Some industry figures fear financially weakened publishers could face pressure to accept tougher regulation in exchange for improved visibility online, while supporters argue stronger oversight is long overdue.

The issue has gained renewed prominence as Prince Harry awaits judgment in his phone-hacking claim against the publisher of the Daily Mail.

A ruling in his favour could provide fresh momentum to Hacked Off's campaign and intensify pressure on Labour to reconsider the reforms.

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