Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Ministry of Justice

Oral Answers to Questions

Anas Sarwar Excerpts
Tuesday 15th May 2012

(11 years, 12 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Jonathan Djanogly Portrait Mr Djanogly
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My hon. Friend sat on the Joint Committee and I know that he has long taken an interest in matters pertaining to scientific freedoms. I fully agree that we must ensure that the threat of libel proceedings is not used to frustrate scientific and academic debate and that the law must be reformed to provide an appropriate libel regime for publications on the internet. The Defamation Bill aims to address both those areas fairly and effectively. I look forward to further debate as it proceeds.

Anas Sarwar Portrait Anas Sarwar (Glasgow Central) (Lab)
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What discussions has the Minister had with his Scottish counterparts about the Government’s proposed reforms, and what assessment has he made of their impact on Scotland?

Jonathan Djanogly Portrait Mr Djanogly
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I am not the lead Minister on the Bill, as it has been led from the House of Lords. I am sure, however, that I will have discussions with my Scottish counterparts before long.