Newspapers and magazines in the UK took the first steps today towards setting up a new press watchdog in the wake of the phone hacking scandal – and were immediately criticised by campaigners.

Media reform campaigners today backed a cross-party deal on industry regulation in the UK, claiming it would protect press freedom as well as victims of newspaper intrusion.

The family of murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowler met the British Prime Minister today and said they were “delighted” that a full, judge-led inquiry will be held into the phone hacking scandal.