Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Libel reform in the Queen's Speech

Proposals to reform libel laws were included in today's Queen's Speech revealing the Coalition Government's legislative plans.

The Freedom (Great Repeal) Bill will, among other things, reform libel laws to protect freedom of speech.

Of course, the detail of the Bill is all-important, but the commitment to legislate is to be welcomed.

It promises to be an interesting Bill for journalists in another way in that it also includes a strengthening of the Freedom of Information Act. This, if it happens, is also to be welcomed, because FoIA, useful as it has proved, has too many exemptions allowing public bodies to avoid disclosing information.

No comments: