Labour is accused of trying to stifle a free press by backing a ‘pernicious’ law designed to force media outlets to sign up to government-backed regulator
- Legislation never been brought into effect and Government plans to repeal it
- But Labour set to oppose the move, risking damaging relations with the Press
Labour was accused of acting to stifle a free Press yesterday by opposing the repeal of a highly controversial element of media law.
Section 40 of the Crime and Courts Act is designed to force news organisations to sign up to a government-backed regulator by making those not signed up pay legal costs for both sides in a libel or privacy trial – regardless of who wins.
The legislation – described by a media industry body as ‘pernicious’ – has never been brought into effect, and the Government plans to repeal it in the Media Bill.
But Labour is set to oppose the move, risking damaging relations between the party and the Press.
A party spokesman said: ‘The Government is wrong to muddy the waters with a debate about repealing Section 40, which is unnecessary as it has never been enacted and so repeal will not make any substantive difference.
The legislation – described by a media industry body as ‘pernicious’ – has never been brought into effect, and the Government plans to repeal it in the Media Bill. But Labour (led by Keir Starmer, pictured) is set to oppose the move, risking damaging relations between the party and the Press
Owen Meredith (pictured), chief executive of the News Media Association, said it was ‘absolutely right’ the Government had put the repeal of Section 40 in the Media Bill
‘It’s right that the Press is held to the highest standards and are accountable for their reporting.’
A Labour source told The Guardian: ‘We know this will trigger a fight with the Press, but it has been Labour policy for years to have Section 40. It would look very odd not to stand up for it now the Tories are trying to repeal it.’
No national newspapers have signed up to the one officially recognised regulator, Impress, amid concerns about threats to freedom of the Press.
Owen Meredith, chief executive of the News Media Association, said it was ‘absolutely right’ the Government had put the repeal of Section 40 in the Media Bill.
He added: ‘Section 40 is a pernicious piece of legislation that hangs over the Press. It’s never been enacted, and for good reason. Forcing publishers to pay the costs of legal actions, win or lose, would be hugely damaging and further undermine Press freedom.’
A senior media source said: ‘Labour’s decision to back Section 40 is very worrying and could stifle a free Press.’
