Gerry McCann Calls for a New Leveson Inquiry: What’s Behind the Demand for Press Reform?

On December 10, 2025, Gerry McCann, the father of missing child Madeleine McCann, called for the government to reinitiate the second phase of the Leveson Inquiry, which was originally launched after the phone‑hacking scandal in 2011. McCann’s renewed demand for press regulation reform comes amid ongoing concerns about media coverage, particularly regarding his family’s ordeal following the disappearance of his daughter in 2007.

The Leveson Inquiry, which sought to investigate unethical practices in British journalism, was halted in 2018 without a second phase. Gerry McCann has long been a vocal critic of the British press, claiming that his family was subjected to harassment, intrusion, and false accusations during and after Madeleine's disappearance. 

Why McCann is Calling for Leveson Part 2

The first phase of the Leveson Inquiry in 2011 examined the phone hacking scandal, where journalists were accused of illegally accessing private information to create sensational stories. The inquiry ultimately led to calls for press reform and new regulations to prevent media abuse.

However, the second phase, which was supposed to investigate more deeply into illegal media practices, was never completed. Part 2 was meant to probe the relationship between media outlets, police, and politicians, especially regarding the leaked documents and confidential information. In the McCann family’s case, the media’s intrusive behavior during the investigation into Madeleine’s disappearance raised serious questions about journalistic ethics and practices.

Gerry McCann has stated that the press intrusions not only caused significant emotional distress to his family but also interfered with the police investigation, creating false narratives about their involvement in Madeleine’s disappearance. His demand for a renewed inquiry seeks to hold the media accountable for their actions and to ensure that there are greater safeguards against future abuses. 

What the Leveson Inquiry Phase 2 Was Supposed to Investigate

• Illegal Media Practices: Phase 2 of the inquiry was designed to look into illegal activities used by media outlets, such as phone hacking, data theft, and bribery of police officers.

• The Role of Politicians and Police: The second phase aimed to investigate the relationships between journalists, politicians, and law enforcement, particularly in cases where police leaks contributed to sensational stories.

• Reform Proposals: The inquiry was also intended to recommend press reforms, including whether the press watchdog should have more legal backing to prevent such breaches in the future.

Gerry McCann has expressed frustration that these issues were left unaddressed and believes that without completing Phase 2, the press continues to operate with impunity, causing harm to both victims and the public. 

The McCanns’ Struggle with the Press

The McCann family has experienced unprecedented media scrutiny since the disappearance of their daughter, Madeleine, during a family holiday in Praia da Luz, Portugal in 2007. The press subjected them to a relentless campaign of misinformation, much of it based on unverified rumors and fabricated stories.

• False Narratives: The tabloids and some news outlets circulated damaging stories that questioned the McCanns’ involvement in Madeleine’s disappearance. These stories were widely disproven, but the media coverage continued unabated.

• Privacy Invasion: The McCanns were also subject to invasive paparazzi behavior, which followed them to public and private moments, leading to heightened public interest and speculation about their personal lives.

• Impact on Investigation: This media circus was believed to have complicated the police investigation, creating an environment where facts became muddied by sensational reporting. It was speculated that some of the leaks came directly from the police, further entangling the investigation.

As part of the Leveson Inquiry Phase 1, the McCanns gave emotional testimony about the devastating toll the media’s intrusion took on their family. Their experience is among the most high‑profile examples of the damage that unregulated press behavior can cause to innocent individuals and ongoing investigations. 

Gerry McCann’s Call for Action

In a public appeal, Gerry McCann has asked the government, led by Keir Starmer (Labour Party leader), to reopen Phase 2 of the Leveson Inquiry and consider implementing statutory press regulation. This regulation would require media outlets to comply with legal rules to ensure that journalists can no longer exploit families or break the law without consequence. 

• Statutory Regulation: This would mean that press regulators have legal powers to enforce press codes of conduct and could take direct action against publications found guilty of breaching the rules.

• Support for Victims: Gerry McCann has also stressed the need for support and protection for victims of media intrusion, particularly those involved in ongoing criminal investigations.

The Leveson Inquiry Part 2 was originally meant to offer a full, impartial investigation into how the media operates — to prevent more cases like the McCanns from being subject to press bullying, and to offer families the privacy they deserve.

Why This Matters: The Broader Implications for Press Regulation

Gerry McCann’s plea for a new inquiry isn’t just about one family’s experience. His call for press accountability has far-reaching consequences:

• Media Ethics: A renewed inquiry could lead to stronger standards of media ethics, ensuring that the press operates responsibly, especially when reporting on victims of crime and ongoing investigations.

• Public Trust: Media intrusion can breed mistrust in journalism. Without proper regulation, the public may continue to view the press as a manipulative force, driven more by profit than by ethical responsibility.

• Preventing Harm: Stronger media regulation can help prevent further harm to innocent individuals who have been affected by tragic circumstances, just as the McCanns were.

What Happens Next?

• Will the Inquiry Be Reopened? The Labour Party has already expressed support for further regulation of the press, but it remains to be seen whether the government will act.

• The McCanns’ Advocacy: Expect more voices from other media victims to join the McCanns in pushing for the inquiry’s return.

• Impact on Public Awareness: This renewed push for accountability could spark a broader conversation about the responsibility of the press in modern society and how we treat people who are thrust into the public eye during times of tragedy.