Northern Ireland: Defamation Law

Lord McAvoy Excerpts

Wednesday 14th October 2015 Lords Chamber

[Viscount Younger of Leckie]

I have already explained that but I understand the point that the noble Lord makes. We believe that the Defamation Act 2013 has its benefits in giving greater legal clarity and free speech protection to the extent that the bar is set higher. A higher hurdle is set by the law. Again, it is up to the Northern Ireland Executive to decide whether or not to take this forward.

[Lord McAvoy (Lab)]

My Lords, to my delight and slight surprise I totally agree with the noble Lord, Lord Tebbit. Occasionally devolution will present issues and problems but the principle of devolution must be preserved. Will the Minister please confirm again that the present Westminster Government have no intention of legislating for Northern Ireland on this issue?

[Viscount Younger of Leckie]

That is indeed the case.