THE city's MP has spoken out about efforts to increase press regulation, branding the plans as 'pernicious'.

MPs rejected an amendment to launch a new 'Leveson-style' inquiry into media organisations during a debate on the Data Protection Bill today.

Another amendment, which would force publishers to pay claimants' bills, known as 'Section 40 costs', was also abandoned.

Robin Walker, MP for Worcester, said: "When we try to get papers to pay damages even if they are in the right it all adds up to a command and control mentality."

The MP described the 'Section 40 costs' amendment, which would result in newspapers paying claimants' legal fees - even if they win the case, as 'pernicious'.

Mr Walker voted against an amendment by ex-Labour leader, Ed Miliband, to launch another media inquiry.

He said: "I think most people in this country understand the value of a free press. They don't want to see that restricted. I don't think further inquiries or costs will help."

The MP added that there was a pattern of behaviour in the Labour Party regarding press regulation - as shown by the reaction to the Mandy Richards affair.

Mr Walker said it was extraordinary that Worcester Constituency Labour Party (CLP) had scheduled a vote to 'gag' the city's former MP, Mike Foster, over his comments about Ms Richards - the party's former parliamentary candidate for Worcester.

Ms Richards was labelled a 'fantasist' by the national media, after the Sunday Times revealed she had made 'false and vexatious' court claims.

Mr Walker said: "I'm sure the motion won't pass. I'm pretty sure there's enough sensible people around."

He added that the idea of Labour 'gagging' Mr Foster was odd considering Jeremy Corbyn's rebellious record as a backbencher.