Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation

Rob Butler Excerpts
Thursday 17th March 2022

(2 years, 9 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Dominic Raab Portrait Dominic Raab
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Yes. Whatever other differences we have had over the years, I pay tribute to the hon. Lady’s campaigning tenacity on the issue. I think she is right. Of course, although we have oligarchs and Ukraine in mind, it would need to be something that applied across the board.

Rob Butler Portrait Rob Butler (Aylesbury) (Con)
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As a former journalist, I believe strongly and passionately in freedom of the press. We see all too vividly at the moment how important that is with the incredibly brave journalism coming out of Ukraine, yet that freedom has been increasingly threatened in recent years, so I welcome my right hon. Friend’s statement. Will he reassure journalists and the wider public that he will take whatever steps are necessary to uphold freedom of the press and freedom of speech more widely?