Facts 

On the subject of Leveson part II, Priti Patel told the House of Commons that “The Government formally consulted Sir Brian on whether to proceed with part 2 and decided that it was no longer appropriate, proportionate or in the public interest to proceed”

This suggested, while not explicitly stating, that the government decided not to proceed with phase two of the enquiry with the assent of Sir Brian Leveson.

Sir Brian actually recommended that the second phase should continue in an amended form but his advice was rejected. In response to a letter from Karen Bradley and Amber Rudd, Sir Brian Leveson responded saying he “fundamentally disagreed” with the conclusion that the second part of the Inquiry is not necessary.

Verdict

Priti Patel did not include the significant information that Sir Brian Leveson disagreed with the government decision on Leveson 2. This suggested that Sir Brian Leveson assented to the scrapping of Leveson 2. Her answer was therefore misleading. It remains on the Commons record in defiance of the Ministerial Code.  

We approached Ms Patel’s office and the Home Office to give them a chance to comment, but no reply.