Journalists and Media Workers: Safety and Security

Baroness Sugg Excerpts

Thursday 24th April 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Sugg (Con)]

My Lords, as a founding member of the Media Freedom Coalition, the United Kingdom has a clear role to play in defending journalists and safeguarding the freedom of the press around the globe. As we heard in my noble friend Lady Mobarik’s powerful introduction and from all noble Lords, threats to media workers continue, from censorship to physical violence, detention and killings, often with impunity.

Our commitment must be both principled and practical, and the UK should take action in three areas. First, we must continue to use our diplomatic influence to hold those who suppress media freedom to account. We must stand firm against regimes that target journalists through speaking out publicly, co-ordinated sanctions or international legal mechanisms. Secondly, we must help to lead global efforts to strengthen legal protections for journalists, working with international partners to promote laws that defend press freedom, supporting independent judiciaries and challenging the misuse of legislation such as defamation or national security laws that are too often weaponised against the press. Finally, we must lead by example at home by ensuring transparency, upholding the independence of the press and protecting journalists from threats or undue interference. The UK can model the values that we advocate for globally. After all, credibility abroad begins with integrity at home.

Media freedom is not just a democratic ideal; it protects against corruption. It gives voice to the vulnerable and helps to build peace. If we fail to protect those who report the truth, we are at risk of weakening democracy. The UK must not only speak up but step up for the safety of journalists, the strength of global media and the future of free expression.

I thank my noble friend Lady Mobarik for tabling this debate, and I look forward to the Minister’s response.