Actor and comedian John Cleese will today join Hacked Off, victims of press abuse and members of the public at a rally in Parliament to lobby MPs to support the Leveson Inquiry reforms.

Ahead of the general election supporters of a fairer and independent press join forces to speak to MPs to ensure that the issue of press reform remains on the political agenda and to persuade MPs to follow through on the promises made in the wake of the phone hacking scandal.

MPs including ministers and shadow ministers have been invited to speak to those coming to Parliament today. So far spokespeople have been confirmed from Labour, the Liberal Democrats, the Green Party, the SNP and UKIP.

John Cleese said: “During the current Parliament we have seen scandal after scandal hit the press. Today members of the public will join me and Hacked Off campaigners to ensure that those scandals are not forgotten and the promises to deliver a better press are kept. The victims of press abuse and the public want a free press but they also want a fair and accountable press and they want to see politicians of all parties stand by the commitment to the Leveson reforms.”

Joan Smith, Executive Director of Hacked Off said: “Today will see people from across the country join together to speak to MPs and to demand that politicians and Parliament follow through on the promises made following the Leveson Inquiry. We want to see the Royal Charter and the Leveson reforms implemented and a promise from all parties to do so after the election.”

ENDS

For press enquiries contact 020 3627 9684 or email press@hackinginquiry.org - Out-of-hours: 07554 665 940

Notes to editors:

1. Hacked Off was established in 2011 and campaigns for a free and accountable press. Hacked Off works closely with victims of press abuses but is open to all. Hacked Off is not affiliated to any political party.

2. More information on Hacked Off can be found at www.hackinginquiry.org or https://www.facebook.com/hackinginquiry

3. The Hacked Off rally in Parliament will be held between 12.30pm and 3pm in Committee Room 10.

4. Attendees will be address by John Cleese, Hacked Off representatives and campaigners from other organisations supporting a fairer press.