Lord Justice Leveson has delivered his report after his 16 month inquiry into the culture, practice and ethics of the press. Jacqui Hames, a former policewoman and Crimewatch presenter who was placed under surveillance by the News of the World in 2002, has delivered the following statement on behalf of victims of press abuse and the Hacked Off campaign.

We welcome this carefully prepared and thorough report.

The Judge has rightly condemned the outrageous conduct of the press in the recent years.

The crucial point is the importance he places on the complete independence of regulation from politicians and from the editors and proprietors, who run the wholly discredited Press Complaints Commission.

He has proposed a system of voluntary and independent self-regulation.

The proposals made by the industry do not come close to this ideal.

What is needed is a regulator which can properly and effectively protect the victims of press misconduct.

He has recommended that this be backed by legislation to protect the public and the press.

These proposals are reasonable and proportionate and we call on all parties to get together to implement them as soon as possible.

The press must be given a deadline. The Inquiry is over. Now is the time for action.