NUJ condemns SLAPP-style intimidation of undercover ITV journalists by Reform UK
Reform UK announced yesterday (21 October) that they have reported two ITV journalists to the police and initiated legal proceedings over undercover reporting into racism in the party.
The NUJ has expressed significant concern over what appears to be a thinly-masked Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) style move by the party.
Laura Davison, NUJ general secretary, said:
"The NUJ strongly condemns attempts to subdue scrutiny and investigative reporting. This is the latest in a series of attacks against journalists by Reform UK - from council leaders in Derbyshire refusing to engage with a Local Democracy Reporter, to Reform Wales intimidating journalists working in the Senedd, and the leader of Reform UK sharing a journalist’s NUJ Press Card on social media.
"Journalists have a right to report without fear on matters in the public interest - including the behaviour and beliefs of people standing for elected office. The NUJ’s Code of Conduct states that journalists must obtain material by honest, straightforward and open means, but makes clear the exception for investigations that are both overwhelmingly in the public interest and involve evidence that cannot be obtained by straightforward means.
“We urge Reform UK and all political parties to respect freedom of expression and freedom of the press. We also call on the government to urgently introduce universal anti-SLAPP legislation containing early dismissal mechanisms that would enable courts to throw out meritless claims designed to prevent publication of stories and investigations in the public interest."