Written question asked by David Morris (Conservative) on Tuesday, 5 March 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 7 March 2024. It was answered by Leo Docherty (Conservative) on Wednesday, 13 March 2024 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Press Freedom

Question: To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the joint debate entitled Countering SLAPPs: an imperative for a democratic society, and Guaranteeing media freedom and the safety of journalists: an obligation of member States at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on 25 January 2024.

Answer: The UK implements the Council of Europe campaign through the National Action Plan for the Safety of Journalists. The FCDO is committed to media freedom. We raise violations across the world including through the Media Freedom Coalition to hold to account those abusing or restricting media freedom. We oppose all attempts by any state to restrict press freedom, silence debate, abuse journalists, or spread misinformation - whether online or offline. The FCDO facilitates sharing UK best practice, including on developing and implementing legislation and measures to counter Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs), in international fora.

Secondary information