Shadow Home Office Minister Cites NMA Evidence in Bid to Increase Protection for Journalists’ Sources

Sir Keir Starmer has quoted the News Media Association’s submission to the committee considering the Draft Investigatory Powers Bill, saying the current regulatory framework “poses a threat to journalism, journalists and their sources.”

The Joint Committee considering the Draft Investigatory Powers Bill – the draft legislation intended to redefine the way communications are intercepted and handled – heard evidence from witnesses including Shadow Home Office Minister on the “interim” RIPA Codes currently in place.

Sir Keir said the current regulatory framework “poses a threat to journalism, journalists and their sources” and went on to highlight that journalists should be entitled to the same level of protection that the legal profession has.

 In its scrutiny of the Draft Bill, the Committee received over 120 written submissions and took oral evidence. It is expected to report by 11 February.

In its current form, the Draft Bill also provides insufficient protection for the journalistic profession, and the NMA is continuing to lobby for this to be rectified.

The actual Bill is likely to be introduced to Parliament early this year, as the Government wants it to be in force by 31 December, when the existing legislation will expire.