Embarrassing the government should not be a crime

Under new plans journalists could end up in prison for up to 14 years if they were to report on leaked documents that embarrass the Government. These plans are part of a reform of the Official Secrets Act. It could mean stories that are of public interest go unreported in the future and be hugely damaging for democracy within the UK.

MPs and the press are already speaking out about the plans which they say will 'deter whistleblowers from coming forward'. Journalists should be allowed to report on issues which are in the public interest.