Live webchat with Hugh Grant (!!!) about the Leveson report and press reform, Monday 10 December, 8pm

[JustineMumsnet]

We're delighted to announce that sleb-actor-turned-campaigner Hugh Grant (yes it's Hugh ) is joining us for a webchat tonight, Monday, December 10 at 8pm.

Hugh keen to talk to us about the Leveson report and press reform. As you probably know he's been a prominent member of Hacked Off, and before that was best known for his quintessential English gent roles in movies such as Four Weddings and a Funeral and Love Actually.

Hacked Off is an alliance of victims of press abuse, journalists, academics, lawyers and others who successfully campaigned for a public inquiry into the phone hacking scandal.

And now that the inquiry's been held (by Lord Leveson), Hacked Off wants all Leveson's recommendations for press reform implemented.

(This webchat is focused on Leveson, so we hope you'll understand that Hugh will prioritising Qs about that ahead of Qs about his career/personal life/choice of biscuits - although, if there's time, he will do his best to address a few of those too.)

So, join us and Hugh, online at 8pm tonight. If you can't make it then, you can post up advance questions on this thread.

HoneyDragon

Persistant, moi ?

Stalker, more like.

Can you imagine if it were Rafa here ? I'd be in bits.

@peroxideporker

Would it be a workable compromise (for both sides) to add a renewable sunset clause into any statutory underpinning?

Funnily enough I used to discuss this on set with Renee and Colin; we agreed that since what is needed in such underpinning is stability and permanence, a renewable sunset clause is the last thing we need. Parliament should set up the independent validator that Leveson said was essential and then leave it alone.

Hugh's gonna become a Mumsnetter. He's secretly thinking what a sophisticated, sexy and witty bunch we are.

MrsChristmasVamos get over here under the mistletoe there is a queue, behind me though.

I never sign petitions, especially e-petitions, as I don't really believe they work.

I just signed this one. Just for you Hugh.

My son wants to know what games you'd like to play on the xbox when you visit on Christmas Day?

You are old enough to be my dad I think. Still you made some decent films.

Just would like to ask why you decided MumsNet was the place to come and more importantly. Do you love my name?

That is all.

Phew, is it hot in here?!!

OK, serious question...

In light of all that has happened with Hacked Off etc., where do you stand on the current furore around the Oz DJs and their ridiculous prank call that seemingly resulted in a tragic death?

Not about the call itself, that was just stupid. I am wondering about the way the UK media has turned from the witch hunt around the nurses to a witch hunt around the djs? Do either deserve the level of publicity and press invasion that has happened? Where should privacy laws fit in here?

Oh, and have you ever tried the Hairy Bikers Christmas Pudding vodka? A great festive treat to add to that toffee tooth you have there!

No question just hi!

I like the name drops by the way.

I think Hugh should have stuck on the Brentford & Chiswick CHronicle tbh. Naming Grauniad and the not-terribly-independent makes this look like a left vs. right issue and very easy to ignore on that basis.

I have nothing to say except you're on my list Hugh

Maybe we should make it a mumnetters rule to no longer link to Daily Fail stories?

arcovette - try the independent or the i - no sleb shite and fairly unbiased reporting. DM is dreadful.

SENSIBLE ALERT

Thanks for your answer Hugh.

I've personally experienced having to bury my own child, and cannot comprehend how sickening it must feel to have you and your children plastered everywhere for all to see, while trying to deal with your grief.

I'll do all I can to let as many people as I can know about your petition, as I do think there has to be a clear line drawn that is not crossed any longer.

No story is ever that good.

SP Please stop showing of your youthfulness. It is not becoming.

Ooh yes, I love you your hair, though possibly more in Four Weddings

Bicnod you should state which list as could be taken as a threat

Joan - and the Guardian are rubbish at covering 'who wore what' to red carpet events

I think Hugh should have stuck on the Brentford & Chiswick CHronicle tbh. Naming Grauniad and the not-terribly-independent makes this look like a left vs. right issue and very easy to ignore on that basis

You're not very informed if you think this is a Left vs Right issue, or one that can be easily ignored.

Hugh

are you typing all your own answers or are MNHQ taking turns and sitting on your knee and doing it for you?

Is Hugh the one who slides across the floor in socks, boxers and a shirt in a film?

When my friend was 16, she shagged the English teacher who looked a bit like Hugh and the News of the World came knocking on her door. It was very strange.

The Sebastian story is just one of many.

I imagine but don't actually know, the nurse who committed suicide last week wasn't especially treated brilliantly by the press, and there are pictures today of her grieving children. 2 weeks after Leveson

Sensible question.

What in your opinion is the single most important reason for backing Leveson? I'm afraid I've found your answers so far to be a little bit ... slippery and politiciany.