THE three party leaders have spoken out about the importance of local newspapers.

To mark Local Newspaper Week (May 15 to 21) Theresa May, Jeremy Corbyn and Tim Farron have all written articles supporting publications such as The Argus.

The Prime Minister, who visited The Argus earlier this month, said: “Great local newspapers are at the heart of their communities.

“They keep their readers informed and entertained, and help hold those of us in politics to account.

“A strong and independent free press, unashamedly seeking out the truth and speaking that truth to power, is one of Britain’s proudest traditions. It is a pillar of our democracy.

“The dedicated journalism of local reporters, combined with the campaigning muscle provided by trusted local titles, has helped to improve the lives of people in communities across the whole country.

“It is important for us to remember that truthful, accurate and informed reporting from local papers can be a tremendous force for good.”

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn told how one of his first jobs was as a reporter on a local newspaper in Shropshire.

He said: “Local newspapers are central to our democracy and I am very pleased to give my backing to this year’s Local Newspaper Week.

“Local papers do so much more than simply keeping their readers informed.

“They are a glue that binds communities, celebrating local people’s achievements and accomplishments and, in equal measure, standing with them when challenges or obstacles arise.

“By reflecting the concerns, hopes and aspirations of different sections of the local community, local papers foster a spirit of understanding and cooperation.

“In this way, local papers will always make a difference to the towns, villages and cities which they serve.

“Local papers are highly trusted and I am pleased to see the industry coming together to promote their credentials through the Fighting Fake News campaign.

“Through their unique insight to local matters, local newspapers can strengthen and promote democracy and the search for truth in the face of fake or fabricated news stories from other media sources.

“I should add that I am a member of the National Union of Journalists and I admire that organisation’s work to defend local news. I am delighted to give my support to local papers during Local Newspaper Week and wish them all the best for the future.”

Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron described local newspapers as a “critical component of democracy”.

He said: “At a time when political ideas and arguments are being intensely debated and challenged, people rely on their local newspaper to cut through the spin and present them with the unvarnished facts about their candidates and what they stand for.

In the run up to the general election, it is essential for people to be able to access trustworthy information and make well-informed decisions. By investing in high quality local journalism, local newspapers enable and support this process which underpins democracy.”

Local Newspaper Week runs all this week.