Gove: Free press is a precious liberty

Mr Gove defended the British press in his evidence to the Leveson Inquiry.

He called for caution over regulations, which he warned could be worse than the disease. And he called free speech a precious liberty for journalists even if some people found it offensive.

At one point Lord Justice Leveson said: Mr Gove, I do not need to be told about the importance of freedom of speech. He asked if the Tory thought unacceptable behaviour should be tolerated due to the right to free speech.

Ex-Times journalist Mr Gove replied: I dont think any of us can accept that behaviour necessarily, but there are a variety of sanctions. Some of us believe that before the case for regulation is made, the case for liberty needs to be asserted as well.

Mr Gove said proprietors and executives would from time to time attempt to influence ministers but that robust politicians would listen but not bend.

He described News Corp boss Rupert Murdoch as one of the most significant figures of the last 50 years, calling him a great man.

c.grant@the-sun.co.uk

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Gove: Free press is a precious liberty