International press freedom delegation to protest against Britain’s Royal Charter
A group of international press freedom campaigners are to take time out from championing a free press in the likes of Burma, Libya and Azerbaijan to tackle another, unlikely, authoritarian state – Britain.
The World Association of Newspaper and News Publishers are making their first UK foray after being angered by moves to introduce a Royal Charter to enshrine regulation of the press in law.
Concern is mounting that the move could negatively impact on Britain’s reputation as a defender of press freedom.
Vincent Peyregne, CEO of the organisation, said: “It is rather difficult for the United Kingdom to lecture Sri Lanks and others about their press freedom record, when its own actions result in such widespread international condemnation.
“A press freedom mission to the UK is unprecedented. But we are concerned that these actions not only seriously damage the UK’s historic international reputation as a staunch defender of press freedom, but provide encouragement to non-democratic regimes to justify their own repressive actions.”
The group of publishers and editors will arrive in London this January.