GUARDIAN/OBSERVER AND BARRICK MINING

Early day motion 183, tabled 18 July 2001 by Alan Simpson (Labour). Signed by 20 members.

That this House congratulates the Guardian/Observer in its robust defence of press freedom and investigate journalism in defending journalist, Greg Palast, against a libel action being brought by the Canadian company, Barrick Mining, in respect of an article 'Bush family finances: Best democracy money can buy', which appeared in the London Observer on Sunday 26th November 2000; recognises that, despite the tremendous pressure on the Guardian/Observer, capitulating to Barrick would have devastating implications for press freedom, allowing powerful financial interests to gag investigate journalism; and calls on the Guardian/Observer to maintain its courageous stand.

Signatures by party: Labour 13, Liberal Democrat 3, Labour/Co-operative 2, Conservative 1, Plaid Cymru 1.