The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
MPS warned laws could cripple regional press
Measures criticised by newspaper bosses who say politicians will be able to shackle publications they don’t like
MPS are being warned against supporting laws that could cripple the regional press and allow politicians to “shackle publications they don’t like”.
The Commons will vote on proposed changes to the Data Protection Bill tomorrow, which would impose financial penalties and another inquiry on the media.
Bosses of regional and local titles have condemned the “draconian measures” that will cause “irreparable damage to the sector if enacted”.
Tom Watson, Labour’s deputy leader, wants to introduce sanctions on newspapers for data protection disputes, forcing them to pay court costs even if the complaint is thrown out.
Former Labour leader Ed Miliband is using a separate amendment to the Bill to demand a fresh investigation into the media.
John Mclellan, director of the Scottish Newspaper Society, said: “The system of self-regulation introduced and funded by the industry follows the Leveson recommendations with the exception of giving politicians control.
“What kind of free press cedes control to the very people it is supposed to hold to account?
“Yet these amendments are designed to give politicians with an agenda the ability to shackle publications they don’t like and as such would be little short of an attack on the right of UK citizens to know the truth.
“I would urge anyone who values freedom of speech to contact their MP today and urge them to vote against deeply undemocratic proposals.”
Mr Watson has revived the Section 40 costs clause, which was dumped by the Conservative government in relation to libel cases when it decided against proceeding with the second part of the Leveson Inquiry.
Jeremy Corbyn’s deputy said that newspapers can avoid the paying costs on a win-or-lose basis if they sign up to media regulator Impress or seek state accreditation through another regulator under the royal charter.
He told the Commons that the “press has no predators” and that the amendments would “redress that imbalance”. Local newspaper bosses have queued up to urge MPS to defeat the amendments.
Richard Neville, editor-in-chief of DC Thomson morning newspapers, said: “There is a worrying trend among some politicians who seem hell bent on making it as hard as possible for newspapers to hold those in power to account.
“The threat these proposals make to the commercial viability of some newspapers is bad enough but the fact that the consequences of these laws will be to make it much harder for newspapers to shine a spotlight on the conduct of people of power and influence is deeply, deeply worrying.”