Labour’s ‘new bid to curb freedom of the Press’

LABOUR has launched what critics claim is another assault on press freedom, in a move that may also harm the ability to catch terrorists and expose sports drug cheats.

Labour peers Lord Stevenson of Balmacara and Baroness Hayter, backed by the Liberal Democrats, have tabled an amendment to insert a constitutional right to privacy into the Data Protection Bill, which is expected to be voted on today. The party says the move is intended to keep the UK in line with EU privacy provisions. But ministers fear the amendment, if passed, will abolish exemptions that allow journalists to protect sources.

It is feared the move may also allow ter- ror suspects to access to information held about them by the state, and stop antidoping agencies processing health data to catch sports drug cheats.

Matt Hancock, the digital minister, told The Sunday Times: ‘The Bill carefully protects privacy while allowing for important exemptions such as protecting the freedom of the press, safeguarding children and maintaining the integrity of professional sports. But this Labour ploy would place all the exemptions at risk. This reckless amendment shows Labour are simply not serious about protecting people’s rights.’

Labour spokesman Liam Byrne denied the move would have malign effects, saying: ‘Mr Hancock is panicking and is rather desperately trying to sow confusion.’