2019 UCL / Bindmans LLP Debate: State Security -v- Freedom of the Press

State Security -v- Freedom of the Press: Has the right balance been struck and what may the future hold?

Recently Parliament has passed legislation, including the Counter Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019 and the Crime Overseas Production Orders Act 2019, aimed at  protecting  the UK from external threats such as  terrorism and activities of “rogue” state actors. New offences and powers to stop search detain and question individuals have been introduced and investigators have been given additional powers to access bulk data held overseas.

The debate will focus on tensions that have been highlighted between the Government’s efforts to protect our democracy on the one hand and, on the other, the impact new legislation may have on a free independent press by having a chilling effect or compromising protection for journalists’ sources and material.

Speakers:

• Alex Bailin QC, Matrix Chambers
• Rohit Kachroo, Security Editor ITV News
• Lord Anderson of Ipswich QC, former Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation
• Jodie Ginsberg, Chief Executive, Index on Censorship

Chair: Joshua Rozenberg, British legal commentator and journalist
 

Watch the film of this event