Biggs wanted to return to the UK to receive expensive medical treatment; The Sun had a cleverly orchestrated scoop with which to fight its circulation war. A further distasteful element was its soft-soap treatment of Biggs, who was described by The Sun as a “frail crook” and (most bizarre of all) a “once dashing rogue”.The PCC should surely be seen to do more to promote public trust in the press, and any hint of weakness in applying its code of conduct only undermines this objective. But the PCC’s relationship with the public does not seem to be at the top of its agenda. Its 10th anniversary bash at Somerset House this year – a cosy gathering of assorted celebrities, editors and royalty – raised an uneasiness that what was intended to be a watchdog with teeth had evolved into an establishment poodle. It seems reluctant to confront the tabloid titans even when they are clearly in the wrong, whether encouraging vigilantism or harassing minor celebrities on holiday with their families.The PCC appears ready to let The Sun escape punishment for its distasteful stunt purely because it was supported by senior politicians.
Robin Cook, then Foreign Secretary, helped to provide an instant Biggs passport, and, in return, was backed in his failed bid to retain that office. The deal was blatant, with a leading article declaring: “Thank you, Robin. We can see why Tony Blair has decided NOT to move you after the election When the chips are down, Cookie delivers … and he doesn’t care about the flak either.” With hindsight, this looks even more of a joke.But while, regrettably, one expects politicians to do pretty much anything to woo good headlines, we are left dismayed by the PCC’s failure – yet again – to impose restraint on the press. Ultimately, its failure to act will further diminish respect for newspapers and government. Legal regulation, the worst possible outcome, will become more likely; the PCC’s weakness could have a deadly legacy.If the regulatory body fears to speak obvious truths, the prospects for self-respecting journalism in Britain in the years to come look poor.
The spinelessness of Lord Wakeham’s PCC sends the worst possible message to the world at large.. I hoped to stand here today talking about a bright new era for race relations in the public sector – especially for local authorities and other local agencies. I hoped to talk about the strength of our multicultural nation, and strengthening democracy through diversity. I hoped to stand here today talking about a bright new era for race relations in the public sector – especially for local authorities and other local agencies. I hoped to talk about the strength of our multicultural nation, and strengthening democracy through diversity.
Instead, I find myself standing in front of you with the images of Oldham and Burnley burning in my memory like the bitter aftertaste of bad medicine. The past few weeks seem like a 20-year-old echo for race relations – violence on the streets, fear and mayhem. Is this the Britain of 1981, with a long hot summer of discontent ahead? Will another Lord Scarman produce another damning report, and another set of recommendations that are swept under the carpet?Or is this something different? I believe it is.
