I should point out that the aim of this Bill is to reform existing law, so as provide increased protection for people accused of libel or slander. The existing

I should point out that the aim of this Bill is to reform existing law, so as provide increased protection for people accused of libel or slander. The existing law was very bad, as shown by cases like that of Simon Singh [1]. The Libel Reform Campaign has an initial summary assessment of the Defamation Bill [2]. From the Bill's summary [3]: includes a requirement for claimants to show that they have suffered serious harm before suing for defamation removes the current presumption in favour of a jury trial introduces a defence of "responsible publication on matters of public interest" provides increased protection to operators of websites that host user-generated content, providing they comply with the procedure to enable the complainant to resolve disputes directly with the author of the material concerned introduces new statutory defences of truth and honest opinion to replace the common law defences of justification. and fair comment. [1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BCA_v._Singh http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BCA_v._Singh [2] http://www.senseaboutscience.org/data/files/Libel/Libel_Reform_Campaign_-_Initial_asssesment_of_the_Defamation_Act.pdf http://www.senseaboutscience.org/data/files/Libel/Libel_Refo... [3] http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2012-13/defamation.html http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2012-13/defamation.html Edit: add a couple of links