Gerry McCann Demands Greater Media Accountability Following Years of Press Intrusion

Introduction: A Father’s Fight for Media Reform

Gerry McCann, father of missing British girl Madeleine McCann, has called for greater scrutiny of the UK’s media, saying his family received a “monstering” from sections of the press. In a rare interview published this week, McCann detailed the traumatic press intrusion his family endured following his daughter’s disappearance in 2007. Madeleine was three years old when she vanished from the apartment in Portugal where her family was holidaying, triggering nearly two decades of relentless media attention. McCann’s renewed advocacy for media accountability comes as he joins over 30 people calling on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to resume the Leveson Inquiry into press practices.

The Family’s Ordeal with Press Intrusion

Gerry McCann told the BBC that elements of Britain’s media made him feel like he was being “suffocated and buried” following the disappearance of his daughter. The father described harrowing experiences of harassment, recalling how journalists came to the house, and photographers literally rammed their cameras against their car window when they had two-year-old twins in the back, who were terrified. McCann said he and his wife Kate were “lucky we survived” press intrusion that left him feeling like he was “drowning”.

Beyond the personal distress, the press “repeatedly interfered” with the investigation into Madeleine’s disappearance. McCann has alleged that media outlets published confidential material that should have been passed to police, undermining investigative efforts. He also felt that a Polish woman who falsely claimed to be his daughter and was convicted last month of harassing his family had been egged on by some press outlets.

Call for Leveson 2 and Political Response

The McCanns are among more than 30 people who have reportedly signed a letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer urging his Labour government to resume an inquiry into media practices. The so-called Leveson Inquiry was established in 2011 following a scandal in which journalists at the now defunct News of the World hacked the phones of high-profile Britons, including a murdered schoolgirl. While the first phase led to a new press regulator, a second phase to study relationships between journalists, politicians and the police was cancelled by the previous Conservative government and has not been restarted by Labour.

McCann stated: “It’s not acceptable to me now, more than a year on, that Leveson and press regulation is no longer a priority”. The Duke of Sussex said he “stands firmly” with those harmed by press intrusion, as Harry fully supports the implementation of the Leveson Inquiry’s recommendations. However, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy told BBC Breakfast a second phase had been “ruled out” and that the media landscape was now very different.

Conclusion: The Ongoing Fight for Justice

Gerry McCann’s advocacy highlights the enduring impact of unchecked media power on vulnerable families. Despite government reluctance to reopen Leveson 2, his campaign has gained high-profile support and reignited debate about balancing press freedom with accountability. McCann said that after 18 years “the hope is slim” that he will find Madeleine “but it’s not extinguished”. His call for reform serves as a powerful reminder that media ethics must evolve to protect those thrust into the spotlight by tragedy, ensuring that future families do not endure similar ordeals.