PRCA slams Defamation Bill ahead of second reading in Parliament

London, 12 June – The PRCA has called on the Government not to sacrifice the fundamental right of organisations and individuals to protect their reputation ahead of today’s second reading of the Defamation Bill in the House of Commons.

The PRCA has deep concerns that the proposed bill will disproportionately move towards protecting the right to free speech, which will be at the expense of those seeking to protect their reputation from defamation.

The Bill’s second reading follows the Queen’s Speech announcement that it will come before Parliament in this session. During the consultation process the PRCA stated that any proposed legislation should not introduce an indeterminate “substance clause” that would make it more difficult to protect reputation, and confuse legal proceedings.

However, the proposed legislation will require would-be claimants to show they have suffered “serious harm” to their reputation before they can take a defamation case forward. This will clearly have negative ramifications for organisations and individuals trying to defend against libellous cases, particularly when the financial impact it is not always immediately clear.

Francis Ingham, Chief Executive of the PRCA, said: “Reputation is one of the most valuable assets an organisation can have, which is why in the UK we invest heavily to promote and protect it. To weaken this right would be disastrous. Free speech is fortunately not under threat in this country, so we do not need to be seen to be pandering just to neglect reputation. 

“The Leveson Inquiry has shown we need legislation that will make it quicker and cheaper for organisations to protect their reputation against often powerful interests. Instead the proposals will make it more expensive to defend our rights and more confusing to interpret the law”.

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Notes to editors

For more information please contact tom.hawkins@prca.org.uk on 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, PR freelancers and individuals. 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 250 agency members from around the world, including the majority of the top 100 UK consultancies. We also represent over 70 in-house communications teams from multinationals, UK charities and leading UK public sector organisations.

 

           

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