Almost  a year ago to the day, I wrote about the movement for libel reform here. In a country which prides itself on civil liberties and human rights, the fact that we have had to struggle so long and hard to ensure freedom of speech is, quite frankly, appalling and frightening. But I am happy to report today that the pressure brought to bear on the government by over 60,000 concerned citizens has yielded results. I found this report in my inbox this week from English PEN:

London says goodbye to libel tourists

  • Government promises to bring new libel law into effect by end of the year
  • Libel Reform Campaign marks most significant reform of English libel law since 1843
  • The Defamation Act is a victory for citizens’ groups and democratic pressure
Scientists, authors, human rights activists, consumer champions and citizens gathered last night to celebrate the passing of the Defamation Act 2013. The four-year libel reform campaign brought together hundreds of individuals and community organisations who wrote to MPs, came to Parliament and joined in scrutiny of drafts of the new law, while bloggers, publishers, scientists and authors put their arguments directly to politicians in what has been described as one of the most successful campaigns of the 21stcentury.
As a result, foreign nationals will no longer be able to pursue spurious libel cases through London’s High Court. Corporations will have to prove financial harm before they can sue. And for the first time, there will be a statutory public interest defence.

Jo Glanville, Director, English PEN, member of the Libel Reform Campaign: “Thanks to English PEN members, fellow campaigners, grassroots and parliamentary support, we now have a Defamation Act. Free speech is safer than it’s ever been from libel bullies and legal threats. But there’s still some way to go to ensure that the law is as robust as it needs to be in practice to protect freedom of expression – and we’ll be continuing to campaign until the necessary regulations and procedure rules are in place.”
Yes, there is always more work to be done, isn’t there? Protecting democracy is a job calling for continued vigilance. Working in and with Cambodia, as I do, has shown me just how valuable our human rights are, and how easily they can be eroded. But for today, I applaud everyone who has worked so hard to get us to this point of reform where we are now. If you’d like to read more and see what else still needs to be done, you can go here
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And while I have your attention, here is a gentle reminder that my poetry play, Dreams of May, will be presented for one night only next Wednesday, June 18 at 7.30 at Theatre Delicatessen, 35 Marylebone High Street, London W1. I hope I get to see some of you there. Details are here.