The short version of his case is that Simon published an article in the Guardian in which he discussed chiropractic treatment with reference to the British Chiropractic Association.
In a passage describing the BCA’s claims about the treatment of a number of childhood ailments, Singh wrote that ‘even though there is not a jot of evidence’ the BCA ‘happily promotes bogus treatments’.
Despite the article being published in the Guardian, Singh was sued personally.This case prompted the charity Sense about Science to start the libel reform to try and get the libel laws changed.
As part of the website you can sign the petition and you can also send a letter or email to your MP. I have done both of these things and this is the disappointing response I received from my MP the Rt Hon Adam Ingram.
Early Day Motion 423: libel law reform
Thank you for your letter of 31 March 2010 on the above subject.
I read your comments with interest, however, I do not support the underlying principle of EDM 423. I believe fundamentally in the right to free speech, however, those who exercise it must do so responsibly and with regard to the rights of others. Sadly, we have a media in this country which operates in a largely, unconstrained way, with only the libel laws available for redresss. There are now too many so-called journalists and commentators who operate on the basis of character assassination, never allowing the facts to get in the way. In short, we now have an imperfect situation brought about by media excess.
I fully support the need for freedom of expression in relation to genuine scientific debate, although we have to accept that there are all too many examples of flawed scientific research and opinion which can have hugely damaging consequences. The most recent example of this related to the MMR vaccine. That did not result in libel action, but I could have, so the law of unintended consequences could have resulted from unfettered comment, as you and the campaign propose.
Thank you again for taking the time to write.
With best wishes
Yours sincerely
Adam Ingram
