Government signals major U-turn in its war on Press freedom

THE Government has signalled a major U-turn in its war on Press freedom.

Culture Secretary Karen Bradley is to fight plans for crippling financial punishments on newspapers.

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Peers are demanding the Press sign up to a regulatory body approved by Royal Charter.

If they do not, they will face having to pay legal fees for both sides in libel actions, regardless of who wins, under Section 40 of the Crime and Courts Act 2013.

But last night sources close to No10 said the Government would not support Section 40.

Mrs Bradley said she wanted to see a “vibrant and free local press”.

She said newspapers should be able to carry out investigations without fear of libel actions which could “put them out of business”.

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Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg slammed the “authoritarian” move.

He said: “A free Press is a beacon of our ancient liberty and it would be dreadful if it were watered down in honour of some sleazy celebrities.

“For unelected peers to deny the public information is an abuse of their powers.”

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Bob Satchwell, of the Society of Editors, said the Royal Charter system was “halfway to state control of the Press” and called Section 40 a draconian measure.

He said: “It’s a nonsense.”