United Nations savages British anti-terrorism and libel legislation

Published on Friday 15 August 2008 01:47

THE government has been criticised by the United Nations for introducing laws that have created a chilling effect on freedom of expression in the UK, it was reported last night.

A report from the UN's committee on human rights hits out at the UK's terror laws, libel laws and the use of the Official Secrets Act, it was claimed.

The UN reportedly said provisions under the Terrorism Act 2006 covering encouragement of terrorism are too broad and vague, and should be amended so that they do not lead to "a disproportionate interference with freedom of expression". People convicted of encouraging terrorism face up to seven years in jail.

The committee also said tough libel laws should be reformed to end "libel tourism" – where people come to the UK to sue over articles they would not be able to pursue in their own countries.

In the age of the internet, the committee said, the laws were in danger of affecting freedom of expression worldwide.

The criticisms are part of the committee's analysis into human rights in the UK.