Motion text
That this House supports World Press Freedom Day and the #FreeThePress campaign; supports the principles that journalists should be able to undertake their vital work unfettered by governments, that journalists jailed for reporting the facts should be freed, and that attacks against journalists are properly investigated with the alleged perpetrators brought to justice; notes with considerable concern the increased pressures and risks facing independent journalists and journalism worldwide during the covid-19 pandemic; calls on the Government to encourage governments overseas to uphold media freedom by not adopting or immediately repealing, disproportionate or unnecessary measures, including legislative provisions on fake news, internet restrictions, and limitations on journalists’ accreditation and access during the covid-19 pandemic; and further calls on the Government to provide an update on its activities in relation to its global media freedom campaign launched last year, and to condemn publicly and hold to account governments including China, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Iran, Egypt, Eritrea and Azerbaijan, that feature at the bottom of the latest Reporters Without Borders’ annual world press freedom index.
Signatures (21)
The first 6 Members who have signed to support the motion are the sponsors. The primary sponsor is generally the person who tabled the motion and has responsibility for it. The date shown is when the Member signed the motion.
Ferrier, Margaret
Scottish National Party
Signed on
30 April 2020
MacAskill, Kenny
Scottish National Party
Signed on
4 May 2020
Farry, Stephen
Alliance
Signed on
4 May 2020
Sharma, Mr Virendra
Labour
Signed on
4 May 2020
Thewliss, Alison
Scottish National Party
Signed on
4 May 2020
Gray, Neil
Scottish National Party
Signed on
4 May 2020
In addition to the sponsors, the following Members have signed to support the motion.
Penning, Sir Mike
Conservative
Signed on
4 May 2020
Lucas, Caroline
Green Party
Signed on
4 May 2020
Yasin, Mohammad
Labour
Signed on
4 May 2020
Callaghan, Amy
Scottish National Party
Signed on
4 May 2020
Hanna, Claire
Social Democratic & Labour Party
Signed on
4 May 2020
Timms, Stephen
Labour
Signed on
4 May 2020
Hendry, Drew
Scottish National Party
Signed on
4 May 2020
Hanvey, Neale
Independent
Signed on
4 May 2020
Dorans, Allan
Scottish National Party
Signed on
4 May 2020
Hill, Mike
Labour
Signed on
5 May 2020
Corbyn, Jeremy
Labour
Signed on
6 May 2020
McDonnell, John
Labour
Signed on
12 May 2020
Law, Chris
Scottish National Party
Signed on
18 May 2020
Shannon, Jim
Democratic Unionist Party
Signed on
26 May 2020
Fellows, Marion
Scottish National Party
Signed on
14 April 2021
There are no withdrawn signatures for this motion.