The UN has warned this month that laws in the UK are too restrictive in limiting freedom of speech. Criticism was levied at defamation laws which result in ‘libel tourism’ with foreigners suing in UK courts in order to achieve more favourable results than they may have otherwise have achieved. The UN Report also criticises aspects of terror laws calling the definition of ‘encouragement of terrorism’ in section 1 of the terrorism Act, ‘broad and vague’.

The possible extension for the period of detainment of terrorists without charge from 28 to 42 days has been further described as ‘disturbing’. Finally there was also criticism of the way that the Official Secrets Act had been used disproportionately to limit exposure of information in the public interest, even where there was no threat to national security. The report calls for reform – whether these will be implemented remains to be seen.