Guardian/observer And Barrick Mining

EDM number 183 in 2001-02, proposed by Alan Simpson on 18/07/2001.

That this House congratulates the Guardian/Observer in its robust defence of press freedom and investigate journalism in defending journalist, Greg Palast, against a libel action being brought by the Canadian company, Barrick Mining, in respect of an article 'Bush family finances: Best democracy money can buy', which appeared in the London Observer on Sunday 26th November 2000; recognises that, despite the tremendous pressure on the Guardian/Observer, capitulating to Barrick would have devastating implications for press freedom, allowing powerful financial interests to gag investigate journalism; and calls on the Guardian/Observer to maintain its courageous stand.

This motion has been signed by a total of 20 MPs.