Richard Dawkins to address Liberal Democrat Conference on libel law reform

Professor Richard Dawkins will put the case for libel law reform to the Liberal Democrat Autumn Conference on Sunday, speaking to an amendment of the civil liberties motion.

Professor Dawkins, who is to appear as a guest speaker at Liberal Democrat Party Conference on Sunday, will tell the conference that the effect of libel laws on public debate about science and medicine, on writers and authors and on responsible journalism can no longer be ignored.

There are long-standing concerns that English libel laws give too much power to the claimant, leading to an effect whereby writers are unable to critically analyse scientific and medical claims for fear of legal action.

Professor Dawkins will say: "The effects of England's libel laws are especially pernicious where science is concerned" and that action must be taken to stop the law being "ridiculed as an international charter for litigious mountebanks. I urge the Liberal Democrats to support the call for reform, and hope that Labour and the Conservatives will follow, so that we can get cross-party support on this vital issue."

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Science Spokesperson, Evan Harris, who is one of the leaders of the campaign which submitted the amendment, said:

"Liberal Democrats have a proud record on protecting free speech and we must now also recognise that balance in defamation is not right. It is shameful that London is regarded as the 'libel capital of the world' - where vested interests from around the globe can exploit our antiquated libel laws to silence valid criticism.

"The law needs to be better balanced towards free expression, responsible journalism and the public interest and away from the rich and powerful vested interests."

Síle Lane of Sense About Science, who is coordinating the Keep Libel Laws out of Science said: "Today's debate is a great step forward in recognising that the chilling, stultifying effect of the English libel laws - on scientific debates and other important public discussions - has become dangerous and intolerable."

Nick Ross, Broadcaster said: "If you think you support English libel laws, go and watch how they're applied! It is not edifying - it is painfully long-winded, mired in esoteric rules, and colossally expensive.

"Of course people should have a right to challenge if they feel defamed. But not the way we do it. Not through indulgence of costly and adversarial lawyers and a dogged adherence to custom and practice. And a public interest defence should, by default, exempt controversies in science."

Stephen Fry, Broadcaster and Author said: "Freedom in politics, in thought and in speech followed the rise of empirical science which refused to take anything on trust, on faith, on hope or even on reason. When a powerful organisation tries to silence a man of Simon Singh's reputation then anyone who believes in science, fairness and the truth should rise in indignation."