Labour MP Holly Lynch has called for Parliament to consider action over the press 'hounding' of high-profile women, following the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's interview with Oprah Winfrey. Lynch, who organised a letter of support to Meghan from 72 female MPs in 2019, said voluntary press regulation had 'failed'.
Speaking to the Guardian, Lynch stated that as legislators, 'we have a responsibility to intervene'. She acknowledged it might be 'harder to find very clear guidance' on the issue but stressed the need to create an environment where women are not hounded. The MP for Halifax has written to the signatories of the 2019 letter, inviting them to a Zoom meeting on Friday to discuss next steps.
During the interview, Meghan revealed she had felt suicidal due to the pressures of royal life, while Prince Harry cited the UK press as a major reason for their move to California. Harry noted that over 70 female MPs had condemned the 'colonial undertones' of articles about Meghan, but no one from his family had spoken out.
Buckingham Palace responded, stating the family was 'saddened' and that the issues raised, particularly race, would be addressed privately. Lynch emphasised that while MPs value press freedom, it 'comes with a responsibility to not be engaged in relentless and aggressive bullying of a woman'. She questioned how long voluntary regulation should be allowed to fail before intervention is necessary.
