Clarke urged to grab chance to save free speech

Ken Clarke was today urged to seize a "once in a lifetime" chance to protect free speech and end Britain's role as libel capital of the world in legislation to be published early this year.

Science writer Simon Singh, who has campaigned for reform since winning a two-year libel battle, said whistleblowers would be "bullied" by the powerful until the Government made changes.

He said that a ban on corporations taking libel actions - which would prevent rich businesses using their wealth to intimidate critics - was one of the most important measures needed.

Other measures include a clearer public interest defence, stronger protection for websites and a requirement for those taking libel action to prove they had suffered "serious and significant" harm.

Mr Singh's call comes as Justice Secretary Ken Clarke prepares to unveil a new Defamation Bill in response to concerns that current laws stifle free speech and prevent the exposure of wrongdoing.

Mr Clarke published draft legislation last year, saying that the right to debate issues freely was a "vital cornerstone of a democratic society".

But Mr Singh, who lost £290,000 on legal bills after being sued by the British Chiropractic Association when he questioned claims made by members about treatments for asthma and colic, warned that libel law would still have a "chilling effect" on free speech unless proposals were strengthened significantly.

"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to reform libel and if we don't get it right this time the same sad situation is going to go on for a decade or more," he said.

"If we don't give proper protection for freedom of speech we are going to continue to be the laughing stock of the free world. There will be drugs that are ineffective and human rights abuses that people are scared to reveal."

Supporters including Stephen Fry, Ricky Gervais and Harry Hill have all backed his campaign for libel reform.

A Ministry of Justice spokesman said that the concerns of Mr Singh and others who had responded to the Government's consultation on libel reform would be taken into account and that ministers would publish a Defamation Bill as soon as parliamentary time allowed.