A WORCESTERSHIRE MP is leading the charge for press freedom - saying a new British "Bill of Rights" would include protections for journalists and the free press.

Culture Secretary Sajid Javid, tipped by many as possible successor to David Cameron, said a Conservative-only Government after the General Election would enshrine the freedom of the press in a new law.

In a speech today, Mr Javid said previous European legislation has "not done enough to protect journalists who play such a unique role in our society".

He also described British newspapers as "the best in the world", a "bulwark against wrongdoing" and "voice for the voiceless".

In a speech to the Society of Editors, he said: "If we receive a majority at the next election, a Conservative Government will scrap Labour’s Human Rights Act and deliver a new British Bill of Rights and Responsibilities.

"And today I’m delighted to announce that I have agreed with the Justice Secretary that the British Bill of Rights will include specific protection for journalists and a free press.

"The Human Rights Act and the European Court of Human Rights have not done enough to protect journalists who play such a unique role in our society. Our British Bill of Rights will change that."

It is thought the measures will help to protect journalists’ sources.

In the wake of the Leveson Inquiry into press standards set up after the phone hacking scandal, the Government last year passed a Royal Charter intended to give state backing to a new press watchdog.

The industry opposed the plans, which critics said risked giving politicians control over the press.

The industry has proposed its own regulator, the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), which could impose £1 million fines.

That plan was initially rejected by politicians, but the Coalition later said it was happy for the newspaper industry to push forward with its own plans.