Leadership rivals defend freedom of press during Tory hustings
Johnson yesterday admitted the leak of diplomatic cables criticising Donald Trump was “embarrassing” but insisted it was not a threat to national security. Scotland Yard launched a criminal investigation into the leak of emails sent by Britain’s US ambassador Sir Kim Darroch on Friday.
But the Conservative leadership contender said the prosecution of journalists would have a “chilling effect” on public debate.
The secret cables described Trump’s White House as “inept” and “dysfunctional”, prompting a furious response by the US President.
The former London mayor, previously described by Trump as “a friend”, refused to support the diplomat in a debate with Jeremy Hunt, prompting the ambassador’s resignation on Wednesday.
But yesterday Mr Johnson told Tory supporters that he was opposed to the prosecution of journalists if they publish any more leaked diplomatic cables from Sir Kim.
He said at a Tory leadership hustings in Bedfordshire: “In my view there is no threat to national security implied by the release of this material. It is embarrassing but it is not a threat to national security.
“It is the duty of media organisations to bring new and interesting facts into the public domain. That is what they are there for.
“A prosecution on this basis would amount to an infringement on press freedom and have a chilling effect on public debate. That is my view.”
His leadership rival earlier tweeted to also criticise the Metropolitan Police for its warning to journalists.
Mr Hunt said: “These leaks damaged UK/US relations and cost a loyal ambassador his job so the