§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they consider that it is appropriate behaviour for the Chief Commissioner of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission to threaten a Member of the House of Lords in the exercise of free speech. [HL875]
§ The Lord Privy Seal (Lord Williams of Mostyn)The European Convention on Human Rights states that everyone has the right to freedom of expression. This right includes the freedom to impart ideas without interference by a public authority.
The exercise of this freedom, since it carries with it duties and responsibilities, may be subject to restrictions such as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society in the interests of a series of specified interests, including the protection of the reputation or rights of others.
The libel laws are the means by which an appropriate balance is struck between the right of freedom of expression (recognised as essential in a democratic society) and the legitimate protection of the reputation and rights of others.