Independent supports tighter reporting restrictions over arrests

It is time to "tighten the screw on prejudicial reporting in newspapers", the Independent said today, speaking out in support of bill which would make it illegal to name an individual until they are charged.

The private members Anonymity (Arrested Persons) bill, which was presented to Parliament on Sunday, would prohibit the publication of certain information about people who have been arrested until they have been charged with an offence.

The bill, which is sponsored by former journalist and MP for Broxtowe Anna Soubry, is due to have its second reading in the House of Commons on Friday.

Today in an editorial, the Independent responded to arguments such as that restrictions could make it more difficult for the public to hold the police to account, saying these would only be "respectable" defences "if newspapers had behaved with more restraint in recent years".

"The time has come to tighten the screw on prejudicial reporting in newspapers – whether by applying the existing law more assiduously or introducing a new offence," the paper said in the leader article.

"Anyone who feels that the status quo is acceptable should take a closer look at the scandalous treatment of the unfortunate Mr Jefferies," the newspaper added, referring to the Joanna Yeates case.

The paper added that one objection to the reporting restrictions could be the difficulty of policing such reports online, but added that while tighter laws may not be 'a silver bullet' to take out damaged reputations they would "represent progress nonetheless".

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