The Prime Minister has agreed to "consult very widely" over proposals to restrict use of the Freedom of Information Act.

Speaking at the Newspaper Conference Annual Lunch, for regional press political editors and their guests, Tony Blair said: "We will certainly consult you and others very widely on it."

The regional press could be badly affected by the Government’s proposals to restrict use of the FoI Act by "serial requestors" such as journalists.

The intention was to bring forward legislation by the end of the year without any formal consultation.

The Government had previously declined to implement any formal consultation process.

However the Prime Minister confirmed that "we will listen carefully to what you say".

Addressing press political journalists, editors and chief executives, he said: "What's important to realise is this generates an awful lot of work for Government and it's important there is some sort of cost benefit relationship to it."

He thanked the regional press for its important community work, saying: "I would like to emphasise that the reputation of the regional press is relatively high, and that is entirely justified.

"Local papers do a fantastic job in reflecting views of local people, and leading local campaigns. You run campaigns that affect people to a far greater degree than the issues discussed here.

"There is a reason why the local media is more trusted. It is because you are closer to people, and you recognise that your own credibility depends on people recognising something of what they read in something of what they experience, and vice versa. That's the crucial thing that makes the difference."

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