Last chance to comment on proposed law sparking fears over press freedom
The public has one day left to have their say on proposals that could see newspapers forced to pay their opponents' legal costs even if they win in court – a move some fear will threaten the future of investigative journalism.
The Government is consulting on whether to implement measures contained within Section 40 of the Crime and Courts Act 2013, which could see newspapers not signed up to an officially recognised regulator pay
the legal costs of both sides in libel and privacy actions brought against them.
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Newspapers that are part of a recognised regulator would be exempt from the measures.
The proposals have divided opinion between those who believe the measures are 'fair' and those who fear they will severely limit the scope for newspapers to conduct investigative reporting to expose corruption and wrongdoing.
Damian Collins, chairman of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, said the proposals should not be implemented as they risk harming freedom of the press, and thus democracy, while filling solicitors' coffers.
The Conservative MP said while press regulation was an important issue, the 'greatest threat' to the media's credibility came from the rise of 'fake news' on social media and elsewhere, rather than newspapers.
He said: "Some have said the risk of heavy costs being awarded against the newspapers is not as great as some fear.
"But I believe it is wrong in principle and, once established, could create a new industry of ambulance-chasing lawyers encouraging people to hire them on no-win, no-fee terms to take up complaints against the press.
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"These lawyers could set high fees and know there would be a good chance of getting paid even if they lost the case."
Mr Collins said press ability to hold those in power to account was 'one a cornerstone of our democracy'.
But former racing boss Max Mosley, a financial backer of new press regulator Impress,said Section 40 should be implemented regardless.
Consultation, which is available on the Government website, ends tomorrow.