Victory for free speech as libel bill passes

April 24th, 2013

Changes will be made to England’s defamation law after a three-and-a-half-year campaign, writes Padraig Reidy
(more…)

Five ludicrous libel cases

October 9th, 2012

Index has today called for the British government to deliver on its promise of real libel reform. Here Daisy Williams lists five cases demonstrate how libel law can stifle debate, curtail criticism and even endanger lives (more…)

Libel reform is no joke

June 29th, 2012

Comics Dara Ó Briain and Dave Gorman and scientist Professor Brian Cox joined Index and the Libel Reform Campaign at Downing Street to demand a public interest defence in the defamation bill

There must be a new public interest defence in the Defamation Bill, scientists, entertainers and campaigners tell Government

June 27th, 2012

Simon Singh wins libel case

April 15th, 2010

Simon Singh wins! The British Chiropractic Association(BCA) has today served a Notice of Discontinuance bringing to an end its libel claim against Dr Simon Singh. The science writer was accused of libel for an article in which he cast doubt on chiropractors’ claims of success in treatment of childhood conditions including colic, ear infections, asthma.

Earlier this month Simon Singh scored a crucial victory in his libel defence against the British Chiropractic Association. In a judgment handed down by the court of appeal, the Lord Chief Justice ruled that Singh’s contention that the BCA promoted “bogus” treatments was “a statement of opinion, and one backed by reasons”.

The judgment allowed Singh to pursue a defence of “fair comment”, the ruling could have a defining effect on the entire concept of “fair comment” in English libel law.

Update: Read the BCA’s statement here

PLUS: A good week for libel reform. All the major political parties now back change — and the campaign celebrates 50,000 signatures in support of libel reform

From the Index on Censorship archives: Floyd Abrams’s on libel Through the looking-glass

Timeline

2008 April Singh publishes an article about chiropractic in the Guardian

2008 July The British Chiropractic Association (BCA) sues Singh personally for libel

2009 May High Court gives a negative ruling on the meaning of Singh’s article

2009 June Singh asks for permission to appeal the ruling on meaning (paper application)

2009 July Mr Justice Eady rejects the application to appeal

2009 August Oral hearing on leave to appeal

2009 October Leave to appeal granted

2010 February Lord Chief Justice says he is “baffled” by case

2010 April 1 Decision on meaning of original Singh article

Simon Singh wins! Relive the drama here

April 1st, 2010

Simon Singh today scored a crucial victory in his libel defence against the British Chiropractic Association.

In a judgment [PDF 73KB] handed down at 9.30 this morning, the Lord Chief Justice ruled that Singh’s contention that the BCA promoted “bogus” treatments was “a statement of opinion, and one backed by reasons”. Singh may now pursue a defence of “fair comment”.

The judgment criticised the BCA, saying its action had created an “unhappy impression” that the case was “an endeavour by the BCA to silence one of its critics”.

The judge added: “if that is where the current law of defamation takes us, we must apply it.”

Addressing the effect of lengthy, costly libel trials on public debate and medicine, the judge commented: “It is now nearly two years since the publication of the offending article. It seems unlikely that anyone would dare repeat the opinions expressed by Dr Singh for fear of a writ. Accordingly this litigation has almost certainly had a chilling effect on public debate which might otherwise have assisted potential patients to make informed choices about the possible use of chiropractic.”

Speaking outside the court, alongside MPs from all three major parties, Singh stressed that while he was pleased with the ruling, the case for libel reform remained. Singh’s case could still potentially continue for another two years.

Full PDF of Court of Appeal judgment BCA vs Singh [73KB]

The BCA has issued a statement saying it is considering its position in the light of the ruling. Richard Brown, President of the BCA concludes:

We are of course disappointed to lose the appeal, but this is not the end of the road and we are considering whether to seek permission to appeal to the Supreme Court and subsequently proceed to trial. Our original argument remains that our reputation has been damaged. To reiterate, the BCA brought this claim only to uphold its good name and protect its reputation, honesty and integrity.

Simon Singh Statement

READ SIMON’S STATEMENT HERE

Former Minister Denis MacShane MP, who was at the Court of Appeal this morning to support Simon Singh’s successful appeal said :

“This is an important victory but it should not be an excuse to lessen the pressure for a major overhaul of libel law. London remains the libel tourist capital of the world and it is time the oligarchs and pharmaceutical companies stopped hiring London lawyers and finding London judges to attack journals and journalists who may not even be based in London. When parliament comes back after the election all three parties should commit to an immediate reform of libel law to allow swift settlements at reasonable cost and to uphold freedom of expression rather than weaken it as the present libel law system operating in London allows.”

MacShane is Labour MP for Rotherham and a former president of the National Union of Journalists.

For all the related tweets, quotes and coverage scroll through our live coverage

Judge ‘baffled’ by Simon Singh chiropractic case

February 23rd, 2010

The Lord Chief Justice expressed surprise today at the BCA’s libel suit against Simon Singh. Padraig Reidy reports
(more…)

Support Simon Singh

February 19th, 2010

Index on Censorship readers have two chances to show their support for Simon Singh on Monday the 22nd and Tuesday 23 February.
(more…)