Brussels accused of trying to ‘shackle’ the Press after its public attack on The Sun

BRUSSELS has been accused of trying to “shackle” the Press after a top official attacked The Sun over its EU coverage.

Justice commissioner Vera Jourova was riled by our front page labelling EU leaders “dirty rats” over their tactics.

She accused the UK media of spreading “disinformation” and suggested “smart regulation”.

Speaking in Austria, Ms Jourova said: “Media can build the culture of dialogue or sow divisions, spread disinformation and encourage exclusion.

“The Brexit debate is the best example of that. Do you remember the front page of a popular British daily calling the judges the ‘enemy of the people’?

"Or just last week, the EU leaders were called ‘dirty rats’ on another front page.

"Almost daily we could find examples of stories that are spiced up to point out the enemy, to paint the picture black and white.

"I would advocate for a European approach to media based on quality and smart regulation, if needed."

But Tory MEP Amjad Bashir said: “Commissioners should not be trying to shackle the Press.

“We politicians do not always like what journalists write, but they have to be free to report the news as they see it.

"The vibrancy and variety of our newspapers is one of the things that makes Britain great.

"People have to learn to take the rough with the smooth.

"Otherwise we are on a slippery slope to state control and oppression."

Mr Bashir’s colleague Ashley Fox added: “A free and unfettered media is vital.”

EU officials insisted there was "no new legislative action in the pipeline in terms of media regulation" and that Ms Jourova had been talking about broadcasters.

A Commission spokeswoman said she was merely trying to “trigger a discussion”.

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