Tag Archives: edward garnier

Julian Huppert writes…Update on the Defamation Bill

By Julian Huppert | Tue 16th April 2013 - 6:50 pm

The Defamation Bill has had a troubled passage through Parliament. Hijacked by Labour over Leveson, attacked by Tory backbenchers concerned about companies and undermined by vested interests, I was glad to see it finally reach one of its last Parliamentary stages in the Commons today.

I was on the Joint Committee that considered this bill when it was a draft – those discussions are already beginning to feel like a distant memory! But we will deliver a huge reform of the UK libel laws.

All the while, Lib Dems have been vociferous in …

Posted in News | Also tagged defamation bill, evan harris, featured, helen grant, index on censorship, john kampfner, libel reform, lord lester and simon hughes | 15 Comments

The Independent View: A chance for Liberal Democrat activists to speak up for free speech

By Robert Sharp | Sun 14th April 2013 - 10:20 am

There is a new threat to the Defamation Bill.

No sooner had the proposed law been liberated, after being taken hostage by Leveson negotiations, than Conservative MPs have begun messing with crucial free speech provisions.

Former libel lawyer Sir Edward Garnier MP has tabled an amendment seeking to remove a crucial clause from the Defamation Bill. The clause places some limits on corporations’ use of the libel laws. It does not bar them from suing entirely – just asks that they show financial loss before they do so. It’s an objective and measurable …

Posted in The Independent View | Also tagged ben goldacre, defamation bill, libel reform and peter wilmshurst | 3 Comments

Opinion: Healthy scepticism alive and well among Liberty’s ranks

By Jo Shaw | Wed 16th June 2010 - 2:20 pm

At the weekend Liberty held its AGM. Jo Shaw was there…

We are, as our esteemed director, Shami Chakrabarti said on Saturday “a gobby lot”. In that, the Liberty membership share much in common with the membership of the Lib Dems. Both share a tradition of being unwilling to shut up, of asking difficult questions and not necessarily toeing the line which might be expected or helpful for the leadership.

Liberty was formed 76 years ago in response to police brutality against protestors against hunger and unemployment. Police tactics at demonstrations and the politics of dissent are currently high in …