British journalist and former editor of The Independent newspaper. After studying law, Blackhurst also worked for The Sunday Times, Daily Express and Evening Standard. Gave detailed responses to the proposals of Lord Black on behalf of The Independent group.
Conservative MP for Surrey Heath and Education Secretary at the time of the Inquiry. A former journalist at the Aberdeen Press and Journal, the Times, the BBC and the Spectator. Told the Inquiry that sometimes "individuals reach for regulation in order to deal with failures of character or morality, and sometimes that regulation is right and appropriate but some of us believe that before the case for regulation is made, the case for liberty needs to be asserted as well".
Former Managing Director of Independent Print Limited (IPL). Mullins gave evidence to the Inquiry on the values of IPL after its purchase of The Independent and Independent on Sunday, which were to be free from political bias and free from proprietorial influence.
At time of giving evidence, Hatfield was Editor of "i", the newspaper's first editor. Described the origin of "i" as a shorter version of the daily Independent intended for people who wanted a quicker, digested read. As a policy, the paper had little interest in celebrity stories or stories of a private nature, Hatfield said. The news values and legal checks were the same as for The Independent. All "i" journalists were contractually obliged to work to the letter and spirit of the Press Complaints Commission's Editorial Code of Practice (PCC Code), he said.
