LORD Prescott has resigned from the Privy Council in protest at a delay to press regulations that he claims borders on a conspiracy.

The decision by the former deputy Prime Minister came as a call was made for David Cameron to give evidence to the House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee to explain his position on toughened up press regulation, brought about by last year's Leveson inquiry.

Labour's Jim Sheridan, who sits on the committee, insisted Mr Cameron had legitimate questions to answer after assurances were sought by Labour that the Prime Minister would not do a deal with the newspaper industry to "further water down" the Leveson proposals.

Mr Cameron said that, as the press had put forward its own version of the Government-proposed Royal Charter, which has cross-party backing, it had to be considered first at Wednesday's meeting of the Privy Council.

However, Lord Prescott has taken the rare step of withdrawing from the Privy Council over what he called a political hold-up.

Victims of press intrusion have reacted angrily to the delay, which means the Commons-backed system will now not be considered until the autumn. Lord Prescott – a member of the council since 1994 – suggested the Government had dragged its feet.