Labour MP Sir Keir Starmer calls for new law governing journalists' public interest defence
Journalists who use unlawful means such as phone hacking and bribery of public officials in their investigations should be better defended at court, according to a former director of public prosecutions (DPP).
Sir Keir Starmer QC, who now serves as a Labour MP, is pushing for reporters acting in the public interest to have greater protections under the law.
Speaking to the Times in light of the conclusion of Operation Elveden – which saw mass acquittals throughout – Starmer stated that the current law “is not clear and accessible enough” and changes will need to be made to help in the “governing this difficult and controversial area", calling for it to be "more clear and simple".
The MP for Holborn and St Pancras mentioned in particular the acquitted case against former News of the World reporter Ryan Sabey who was charged for bribing a prison official for information.
He concluded: “The old common law offence of aiding and abetting misconduct in public office is not well-suited to the task of balancing free speech and criminal conduct.”
Of the 27 journalists charged with misconduct under Operation Elveden, a mere two were two convicted.