News: PA supports national petition challenging English libel laws
The Publishers Association has signed a national petition urging for the reform of current English libel laws. The petition was prepared by a recently-formed coalition consisting of Sense about Science, English PEN and Index on Censorship, and was launched to challenge the current libel laws which heavily disadvantage all parts of the publishing sector, allowing for bias towards claimants, substantial legal costs and significant curbs on freedom of expression. Through the petition, the coalition aims to demonstrate the extent of the difficulties raised by libel laws, and the number of organisations and industries affected. Other signatories include Reporters Without Borders, the Centre for Investigative Journalism, The Royal Statistical Society and The Society of Authors.
The petition follows a recently published report, entitled Free Speech is Not For Sale and prepared by English PEN and Index on Censorship, which has led to a flurry of political activity. It offers an in-depth critique of current English libel laws and suggests a range of recommendations, culminating in a proposed Libel Bill to modernise and simplify current legislation. The recommendations include cost-caps to prevent the extensive costs of libel trials, a means to measure the distribution of publications to reduce the creeping trend of ‘libel tourism’ in the UK and the strengthening of the public interest defence to support investigative writing. The report has generated substantial debate, and in response, the Government has set up a Libel Reform Working Group to consider changes to national libel laws.
Since the publication of the report and launch of the petition, the Working Group is in the process of debating current libel laws, and a consultation has been set up by the Ministry of Justice to review the extensive costs incurred during libel trials. This renewed political interest and debate could lead to the first changes to libel legislation for centuries. With the Working Group due to report back in March and the Consultation to close in mid-February, these crucial changes could take place surprisingly quickly. Reports have suggested that the reforms could be implemented by May of this year, ahead of the General Election. The PA is engaging with both the Working Group and the consultation and will continue to keep members updated as developments unfold.