The Anonymous Widower

Libel Reform Campaign

I received this letter from the Libel Reform Campaign, whose aim is to stop the law of libel being used to silence critics.

Look out on BBC 1 tonight at 10:40pm for the next part of the BBC libel series: See You in Court. The program will follow science writer Simon Singh through his case and through the beginning of the Libel Reform Campaign.  

We have been scrutinising the Government’s draft Defamation Bill since its publication in March, and tomorrow we will be appearing before a joint committee of the Lords and Commons in Parliament to tell them what we think, and discuss the Government’s proposals. You can come along to Committee Room Six between 9:30 to 10:30am to support us, or watch online on the Parliament website [http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/joint-select/draft-defamation-bill1/]. 

We’re heaping pressure on Government to ensure they deliver a bill that is fit for the internet age. The bill isn’t quite there yet so if you haven’t already done so, please ask your MP to sign EDM 1636, to show their support for substantive reforms [http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2010-11/1636]. You can find your MP and their email address at www.theyworkforyou.com.

I have written and urge everybody to do the same.

Here’s my letter.

I am writing as one of your constituents who has spent a lifetime developing ideas, that bring wealth, employment and better standards of living not just to this country, but hopefully the whole world. I am also deeply concerned about the effect our libel laws have on medicine, science, journalism and literature. I very much support the Libel Reform Campaign, especially as my late wife was a barrister, who knew the field of defamation and its limitations and excesses well, although she practised in a more worthwhile field.

 I would urge you to sign cross-party EDM 1636 Libel Reform welcoming the publication of the Government’s recent draft defamation bill and calling for improvements to fully protect citizens’ rights and the public interest.

 I believe, along with the Libel Reform Campaign, that any individual whose reputation is damaged by a false and defamatory statement should have recourse to the law. But beyond that we need to protect discussion of matters of public interest and expressions of opinion.

 This draft bill recognises that England’s libel laws are unfair, outdated, complex and costly, and that as a result they chill free speech. It must ensure that final legislation matches our objectives.

 Will you please sign EDM 1636 Libel Reform or if you can’t then pleasesign other EDMs that indicate support for its objectives?

Feel free to copy.

May 4, 2011 - Posted by AnonW | World | Law, Politics