DEFENCE OF PUBLIC INTEREST AND THE PROSECUTION OF JOURNALISTS

Early day motion 795, tabled 26 November 2013 by Austin Mitchell (Labour). Signed by 13 members.

That this House recognises the need for journalists to pursue difficult stories in the public interest without fear of prosecution; is concerned about the situation facing journalists who have been arrested and charged in relation to charges of conspiracy to commit misconduct in a public office; believes that such charges, levied against individuals who had no role in the authorisation of payments nor responsibility for a workplace culture where such payments were institutionalised and where trade union recognition was not allowed, do nothing to tackle the real issue of corporate responsibility for any alleged wrongdoing; regrets that it is ordinary working journalists who are being targeted, whilst senior executives and the companies themselves escape blame; further regrets that to discount the public interest defence in bringing legal proceedings sets a very damaging precedent for the industry; and therefore calls on the Director of Public Prosecutions to ensure that a consistent and fair approach is taken in regard to such cases.

Signatures by party: Labour 9, Plaid Cymru 2, Conservative 1, Liberal Democrat 1.