Key figures from across NI Group Ltd have joined together to support the newspaper industry’s proposal for independent self-regulation before today’s deadline for submissions to the public consultation.

The press’s proposed Royal Charter was submitted to The Privy Council Office on 1 May whereupon a three-week “period of openness” was provided for public consultation. It is believed the Privy Council will now spend a further 15 days considering the responses before deciding how to proceed.

The newspaper industry’s proposal has been backed by a number of senior MPs and Peers, and has the support of the overwhelming majority of the country’s national, regional and local newspapers and magazines.

NI Group Ltd bosses have sent letters of support to culture secretary Maria Miller, who is advising the Privy Council about the submission.

In his letter Mike Darcey, CEO of NI Group Ltd, states his support for the proposal, writing: “This proposal has our full backing. It is workable, independent of Government, and, if given the green light quickly, can be put in place this year at no cost to the taxpayer.

“Crucially, it has overwhelming support across the industry - left and right, tabloid and broadsheet, national and regional. I also believe it meets the concerns of the public.

“This really is the best option and I encourage you to approve it so a new regulator can be established as soon as possible.”

John Witherow, editor of The Times, also writes: “This proposed charter has the backing of almost all the newspaper and magazine industry in the United Kingdom and is largely in accordance with Sir Brian Leveson’s proposals. It has the added merit of being supported by international bodies alarmed at the feared erosion of press freedom in Britain. I think the British public, too, can see the merits of this common sense approach.

“I hope you will agree and urge the newspaper industry to get on with establishing a new and robust form of self-regulation without delay.”

Martin Ivens, editor of The Sunday Times, backed the proposed Royal Charter, saying: “I am writing to you in support of the newspaper industry's proposal for a Royal Charter which will establish a new self-regulatory regime, independent of government. It will be the toughest such system in the free world, delivering speedy redress in the public interest. It has the considerable merit that the taxpayer won't have to foot the bill.

“I believe the industry can move swiftly to establish this new regulatory regime, given a fair wind by government. I therefore urge you to back it.”

Dominic Mohan, The Sun editor, says: “In a fast-changing media world the proposals represent a pragmatic and sincere response to the issues highlighted during the Leveson Inquiry, and fulfil the key requirements of Sir Brian Leveson’s final report.

“The industry’s draft Charter makes a number of concessions on self-regulation but at the same time it preserves freedom of speech, and most important of all, ensures that the press remains free of political intervention.

“It is significant that the overwhelming majority of the UK newspaper industry – from regional weekly to best-selling national daily – supports this Charter and will be committed to establishing this new regulator at no cost to the taxpayer and as soon as possible, most likely before the end of the year.

“I urge you to give this considered and practical Charter your support and allow the industry to bring it to life.”

The newspaper industry’s Royal Charter proposal aims to deliver on Leveson and bind the UK’s national and local newspapers and magazines to a tough and enduring system of regulation – tougher than anywhere else in the western world – which will be of real benefit to the public, at the same time as protecting freedom of speech.