Theresa May urges MPs to reject Labour attempt to 'undermine free press'
2 min read
Theresa May has called on MPs to reject a bid by Tom Watson to force newspapers to pay legal bills even in cases that they win.
Labour's deputy leader has drawn up amendments to the Government's Data Protection Bill which he has said would make it easier for people to take publications to court.
Ministers have previously rejected the move by refusing to implement Section 40 of the Crime and Courts Act, which would have the same effect as Mr Watson's amendment.
Newspapers have also come out against the change, arguing that it would make it easier for wealthy businessmen or MPs who are the subject of investigations to dodge exposure.
The Prime Minister told her Cabinet that if approved by MPs when they vote on it tomorrow, Mr Watson's plan would "undermine our free press".
Her spokesman said: "Almost £50m of public money has already been spent on investigating phone-hacking, and establishing a further public inquiry requiring great time and expense is not a proportionate solution to allegations which have already been the subject of several extensive police investigations or ongoing investigations by the Information Commissioner's Office.
"The Prime Minister said the Government remains committed to a voluntary system of independent press self-regulation. The amendment on Section 40 would force the press to sign up to a system which has already been outright rejected by the majority of publications."
He added: "The Prime Minister said many would consider it against natural justice that, even if a newspaper was found not to be at fault, they could still end up having to pay costs."
But Mr Watson has insisted that his amendments would ensure the full implementation of the Leveson Report into press standards.
"All parties promised that the recommendations of the Leveson Inquiry would be implemented. That is what these amendments do.
"They ensure access to justice for victims and commence part two of the Leveson Inquiry... and ensure it never happens again."
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