A new House of Commons inquiry into press standards, privacy and libel laws will take place in the new year.

The cross-party Culture, Media and Sport Committee is now looking for views on a wide range of key topics affecting the press from newspaper publishers and any other interested parties.

A series of hearings are expected to take place next year after all submissions have been received in January with the case of missing Madeleine McCann high on the agenda.

The Committee is asking the why the self-regulatory regime was not used in this case after libel payouts were made to the girls parents and their friends.

The Committee also wants to know why the PCC has not invoked its own inquiry and whether the successful action against Express Newspapers by the McCanns indicates a serious weakness with the self-regulatory regime.

Other topics include:

The Commission said: “The PCC welcomes this inquiry, which will enable the Commission to set out how it protects all members of the public – regardless of wealth or position – from unjustified intrusions into privacy by the press.

“As a flexible self-regulatory body, the PCC has always evolved to take account of cultural or legal developments.

“It will continue to adapt to ensure that it is responsive to the needs of the public while taking into account the media’s right to freedom of expression.”