§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he will take to eliminate the criminalisation of defamation throughout Europe. [51933]
§ Mr. MichaelWe are doubtful whether such steps are necessary. Freedom of expression is one of the rights guaranteed under the European Convention on Human Rights which all parties to the Convention are bound to respect. We are not aware of any Council of Europe proposals to decriminalise defamation.