The Press Recognition Panel have announced that they are open for applications from today (Thursday September 10th 2015).Commenting on the announcement, Hugh Tomlinson QC, Chair of Hacked Off said,“Victims of press abuse will welcome this as major progress because it means that in due course, a responsible and accountable regulator will be recognised by the Panel. At that point ordinary people - who presently can not afford to bring claims of libel or intrusion against powerful newspapers - will be able to bring claims, free and at no cost risk, in the High Court against newspapers who have refused to join the recognised Leveson-compliant regulator which will be available to them."“It is also good news for investigative websites and small newspapers which, by joining a recognised regulator, will for the first time gain immunity from expensive costs awards and the threat of exemplary damages if they are sued."Dr Evan Harris, Joint Executive Director of Hacked Off, said:“Despite the opposition of the newspapers to the implementation of the Leveson Report, we can see step by step progress to the establishment of a recognised regulator and the incentive scheme which Leveson said should be given a year to work before further action. In a year’s time we will see how many of the newspapers remain outside independent and effective self-regulation supported by Leveson, newspaper readers, the NUJ, the public and Parliament."Call 07883 533052 for any enquiries.