By Raya Johnson

Hacked Off took Labour Party Conference by storm this year, raising awareness of the need for press accountability and promoting the Better Media Bill through a panel and popular campaign events.

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Expert panel calls for urgent action on press standards

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Monday lunchtime, Hacked Off co-organised a panel featuring a terrific line up of:

• Dr Tom Chivers, Media Reform Coalition

• Penny East, Chief Executive, Fawcett Society

• Bob Ward, Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment at the LSE

• Iggy Wood, Fabian Society

• Lexie Kirkconnell-Kawana, Impress

• Hardeep Matharu, Editor, Byline Times

• Nathan Sparkes, Hacked Off

Together, they led an insightful and engaging discussion on the future of media reform and accountability. The conversation sparked thoughtful questions from the audience and clearly resonated with attendees. The session was productive and impactful, with all panellists delivering focused and well-balanced points that highlighted the urgency of press reform.

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Hugh Grant joins campaigners, as multimedia van sends the Government a message

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In the early afternoon, a multimedia van organised by 38 Degrees began circulating around the conference area, drawing significant attention and engagement from both delegates and the public. The van urged action on press standards from the Government, and encouraged support for our petition, which has now gained over 70,000 signatures (and counting).

At 4pm, Hugh Grant joined Hacked Off, 38 Degrees and other campaigners for photos. With placards and supporters gathered around, the event attracted strong media interest, with coverage in The Independent and The Metro. Hacked Off Board Director Mandy Garner, 7/7 hero and hacking victim Paul Dadge, and Hillsborough campaigners Margaret Aspinall and Sue Roberts gave interviews..

Later that day, Hugh sat down for a detailed interview with ITV, available to listen to on the Talking Politics podcast and to watch in full on ITV’s website and YouTube. Hugh called out the Prime Minister’s ongoing refusal to meet with victims of press abuse.

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MPs & Peers turn out for reception

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The day concluded with our evening reception in partnership with the Fawcett Society.  Mandy spoke, and delivered a powerful and inspiring speech to attendees.  She was followed by Harriet Harman, who echoed those calls for reform in her remarks as Chair of the Fawcett Society.

A number of high profile and senior MPs and Peers attended, pledging their support for press reform.

Altogether it has been an encouraging Conference season so far, with our presence at Labour’s annual gathering following other events we organised at the Liberal Democrats’ conference the previous week.

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Please do sign our petition - and help share it online, as we continue to build momentum:

https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/a-free-press-not-a-free-pass-it-s-time-for-fair-regulation 

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