Lib Dem MP Evan Harris has secured a debate on libel law and the reporting of Parliamentary proceedings following Carter Ruck’s attempts last week to gag The Guardian from reporting details of a Parliamentary Question concerning Trafigura’s activities. (You can catch-up on LDV’s reporting of the issue here.)
The debate will take place today in Parliament’s Westminster Hall today, 21st October, from 2.30-4pm.
Explaining the purpose behind the debate, Evan says:
There is a lot of concern in Parliament and in the media over the impact of English law on freedom of expression, but the people who should be most concerned are the general public.
“Powerful interests are able to exploit our legal system in order to prevent public interest matters – such as the dumping of toxic waste, or the evidence for the benefit of chiropractice on children’s health – being discussed.”
“The Government needs to do something about this instead of letting the public continue to be blinded by secretive injunctions and draconian libel suits.”