Simon Hughes: MPs 'need to be ready to act' on Leveson report

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Liberal Democrat MP Simon Hughes has called for time to be set aside in parliament next spring to discuss any new legislation that might arise from the Leveson inquiry into press standards.

Hughes told the inquiry this morning that he had spoken to deputy prime minister Nick Clegg about the importance of debating Leveson's findings and recommendations as soon as possible, before the next general election.

He told the inquiry: "In the parliamentary session that will begin spring 2013, space should be reserved now in the forward planning of parliament to deal with this.

"I understand about acting on the back of the inquiry, not waiting for prosecutions. Some things may not need legislation, but parliament needs to be ready to act and I hope there will be space available in the parliamentary session 2013/14 well before the election."

Hughes later added: "I understand our responsibilities. I've already put in a bid that we have time available to legislate if we need to."

The second module of the Leveson inquiry - which looks at relationships between the press and police - began this week. Two more modules will follow: the relationship between press and politicians, and recommendations for a more effective regulatory policy.

Lord Justice Leveson, who started hearings last November, has been asked by the prime minister to produce a report within a year.