The Tories who argued for no press law of any sort now appear to have conceded the need for a legal clause designed to give parliament the assurance that the new press regulator cannot be amended by a minister under pressure from the press without the agreement of MPs.
But Mr. Obama's public remarks from the White House press room sought to keep pressure on Europe to maintain its momentum toward bold action despite resistance on some parts of the continent.
Finally, spare a thought for those doctors who are responsible for the care of celebrities in the media spotlight, and who may come under intense pressure from the press or others to disclose confidential information.