PRCA warns changes to defamation law could harm UK PLC

The PRCA has officially responded to the Ministry of Justice consultation on the Draft Defamation Bill, following Lord Lester's Private Member's Bill earlier this year.

The PRCA expressed concern that the new bill could lead to an imbalance between freedom of expression and the right of individuals and businesses to protect their reputation. The PRCA highlighted that organisations invest considerable time and money building brands and reputation. To make it easier for individuals and publishers to attack reputations will increase costs for businesses, as well as damaging revenues. Further, the PRCA is concerned that the bill could end up increasing the cost of litigation, rather than reducing it. Please find our consultation response and the consultation document itself below.

PRCA Consultation Response PRCA Consultation Response

The consultation document

                                                                            

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Notes for Editors

Media enquiries - please contact Tom Hawkins, Research and Policy Executive - tom.hawkins@prca.org.uk / 020 7233 6026

About the PRCA

Who we are: Founded in 1969, the PRCA is the professional body that represents UK PR consultancies, in-house communications teams and PR freelancers.  The PRCA promotes all aspects of public relations and internal communications work, helping teams and individuals maximise the value they deliver to clients and organisations.

What we do: The Association exists to raise standards in PR and communications, providing members with industry data, facilitating the sharing of communications best practice and creating networking opportunities.

How we do it and make a difference: All PRCA members are bound by a professional charter and codes of conduct, and benefit from exceptional training. The Association also works for the greater benefit of the industry, sharing best practice and lobbying on the industry's behalf e.g. fighting the NLA's digital licence.

Who we represent: The PRCA represents many of the major consultancies in the UK, and currently has more than 230 agency members from around the world including the majority of the top 100 UK consultancies. We also represent around 60 in-house communications teams from multinationals, UK charities and leading UK public sector organisations

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