Setback for libel reform
EXTORTIONATE charges demanded by “no-win, no-fee” lawyers in libel cases escaped new curbs after Labour MPs rebelled last night.
Justice Minister Jack Straw wanted to slash the lawyers’ bills because of fears that they are effectively stifling press freedom.
But four back-bench MPs on the key committee which rubber stamps legislative changes refused to back the measures.
Jo Glanville, editor of Index on Censorship, said: “It is of great concern that at the very last moment, there has been a concerted attempt by MPs to derail such an important reform.”
Under the complicated current arrangements libel lawyers can effectively double their bills if they win, leaving losing newspapers to foot huge costs.
Many editors, especially on smaller papers and magazines, have had to decide not to run stories rather than face the chance of having to pay up.
A Justice Ministry spokesman said it would try to put the legislative change through again next week.