The Threat Lifted

In a major win for publishers, the UK government has announced its intention to repeal Section 40 of the Crime and Courts Act 2013. This move will remove the burden on publishers to pay all legal costs in court cases, regardless of the outcome.

Protecting Public Interest Journalism

During the King's Speech, King Charles revealed that the government will introduce legislation to safeguard public interest journalism. This commitment to repeal Section 40 is seen as a vital step in this direction.

Implications of Section 40

If Section 40 were to remain in effect, publishers would be forced to cover expensive legal costs in defamation and privacy cases, regardless of whether they win or lose. This would only apply to publishers who do not sign up with an approved regulator.

Approved Regulator and Industry Response

The Impress media body, overseen by the Press Recognition Panel, is currently the only approved regulator in operation. However, major publishing names such as News UK, Daily Mail and General Trust, and Telegraph Media Group have chosen to join the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), a voluntary funded regulator established in 2014.

Government Support and Backlash

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer has expressed her dedication to repealing Section 40. Industry figures, including the Society of Editors executive director Dawn Alford, have applauded the government's plans, citing the devastating impact Section 40 would have on investigative journalism and publishers' financial well-being.

Public Concerns

While the government's repeal of Section 40 is seen as a positive development, the Press Recognition Panel warns that the public could still be at risk, as pursuing a court case remains financially inaccessible for most individuals.