Cameron aware of no win no fee press concerns - 14/04/2008

Conservative leader David Cameron has said he is aware of the some of the press concerns about the current process of no win no fee in libel cases.

Speaking to the Press Gazette, Cameron said:

“The CFA reforms were intended to improve access to justice.  I am aware of concerns from some sections of the media that this may have led to a chilling effect on legitimate journalism.

The objective must be fairness and access to justice for all, and if further ideas come forward as to how the system can be reformed to create a level playing field, then we will consider them with care.

However, we don’t have any plans to put forward proposals of our own at this moment.”

The Press Gazette along with a host of other media organizations have been lobbying the Government to redress what they see as news agencies and organisations being held to ransom by no win no fee lawyers in libel cases.

Tory Cameron also said he was in favour of continued self regulation for the press

“We’ve no plans to change self-regulation. I think the PCC has settled down and the system is now working better than it once did. But that’s not to say that there isn’t an on-going need to make sure the press acts responsibly,” said Cameron.