Queen’s University in Belfast has today awarded an honorary degree to the Derry-born former Lord Chief Justice for Northern Ireland, Sir Declan Morgan, in recognition of his wide-ranging contribution to public service.
Lords Call For Reform of Northern Ireland Defamation Regime
Peers have called for action to bring the Northern Ireland defamation regime into line with the rest of the United Kingdom in order to end the chill on freedom of speech there.
The Lords debate on Monday was initiated by Lord Lexden who asked the Government what recent discussions they have had with the Northern Ireland Executive about extending the Defamation Act 2013 to Northern Ireland.
Opening the debate, Lord Lexden said: “During a debate on this subject which I initiated in 2013, I asked a question sent to me by a leading Belfast solicitor. More than seven years on, I will ask the question again. Why should the citizens and journalists of Northern Ireland not be afforded the same protection as those in the rest of the United Kingdom, whether they are expressing opinions online or holding government to account?
Freedoms curtailed by north s outdated defamation law, peers told The British government points out the law of defamation is a devolved matter and so the responsibility of the Executive at Stormont Nick Lester, PA 11 January, 2021 15:27
Freedom of expression and the ability to criticise people in power is curtailed in Northern Ireland because of the failure to update its defamation law, it has been warned at Westminster.
Questions have been raised in parliament over why residents and journalists in the north did not enjoy the same protections as those in the rest of the United Kingdom.
There was also criticism of Stormont over the long delay in extending to Northern Ireland the benefits of the Defamation Act 2013, which was hailed as landmark, human rights legislation .