IF I had a vote in Parliament it would be for statutory underpinning of the body regulating the press.

The Press Complaints Commission did not work and the behaviour of some sections of the press justifies a strong regulatory body.

Of course what is decided in Parliament will not work if parts of the press, with the tacit support of readers, decide not to co-operate.

The issue is not settled for good in a vote in the Palace of Westminster.

I am against the national media’s abuse of its power over individuals but a formula is needed to assure the freedom of the press to comment and carry out investigative journalism Ultimately it is the public who will decide by which newspapers they are prepared to buy.

G Bulmer, Billingham