Thread by @rebecca_vincent

Starting now: @HouseofCommons is holding a Westminster Hall Debate on global press freedom to mark World Press Freedom Day earlier this month, sponsored by @DamianCollins as Chair of the APPG on Media Freedom. Watch live here: parliamentlive.tv/event/index/8a…

Strong start from @DamianCollins, mentioning the situation in Belarus, the murders of Jamal Khashoggi & #DaphneCaruanaGalizia, @mariaressa’s fight to #HoldTheLine in the Philippines, the SLAPP case against @CatherineBelton & many more worrying examples, citing @RSF_inter figures.

.@jeremycorbyn raises concerns around media ownership, the need to ensure access for all to social media, the case of Anabel Hernandez in Mexico, the jailing of journalists around the world, the arrest of Roman Pratasevich in Belarus, and the targeting of journalists in Gaza.

.@jeremycorbyn also emphasised that we shouldn’t be complacent about the situation of brave people who blow the whistle around the world, specifically highlighting the case of Julian Assange, noting the need to reflect on the news and free speech values at stake in his case.

.@SirRogerGale raises a number of cases of concern & asks 2 questions: will the government ensure media freedom is part of the agenda of the #G7 Cornwall summit & will the government support @RSF_inter’s call to establish a UN Special Representative for the Safety of Journalists?

.@eastlothianmp emphasises the need for protection for journalists beyond just mainstream media, including bloggers. He highlighted the case of Julian Assange and touched on a number of concerns in Scotland, including the case of @CraigMurrayOrg.

.@NazShahBfd gives a strong statement condemning the targeting of media and journalists in Gaza, giving a number of case examples and noting 23 media outlets have been destroyed. She asks if the @ICC will investigate Israel’s actions, including the targeted air strikes on media.

.@MargaretFerrier expresses serious concern over the situation in Belarus, including the arrest of Roman Pratasevich, detention of many other journalists & pressure against a number of media outlets. She also highlights the targeting of journalists covering protests in Hong Kong.

.@ClaudiaWebbe focuses on the situation in Gaza, criticising the framing of media reporting & AP’s dismissal of @vv1lder. She expressed concern over Julian Assange’s detention, noting the chilling effect his case will have. She notes the need for support to public interest media.

.@KimJohnsonMP condemns the situation in Gaza, including the targeting of media & journalists. She condemns the arrest of Roman Pratasevich and broader crackdown on media in Belarus. She cites @RSF_inter’s Index ranking of the UK & shares concern over detention of Julian Assange.

.@MrJohnNicolson expresses strong concern over the arrest of Roman Pratasevich. He cites @RSF_inter’s figures & notes the poor state of global press freedom. He condemns the targeting of media outlets in Gaza. He recalls the targeting of Marie Colvin, Lyra McKee & Frank Gardner.

.@ChrisM4Chester speaks incredibly strongly on the need for an end to attacks on media from within @HouseofCommons, noting worrying examples from all parties. Stop undermining independent journalism, he implored.

.@ChrisM4Chester also very strong on the UK’s own record, citing @RSF_inter’s Index ranking of the UK at 33rd, noting in particular the situation of safety of journalists in Northern Ireland, including the appalling threats against @trishdevlin.

.@ChrisM4Chester touches on many global concerns, including the arrest of Roman Pratasevich, the murder of #DaphneCaruanaGalizia, the targeting of journalists and media in Gaza, and the rise of SLAPP cases around the world - and the worrying role the UK plays as a SLAPP hub.

Responding for the government, @JWhittingdale echoes concern over worrying global trends, and cites @RSF_inter figures on journalists killed around the world and findings of the 2021 World Press Freedom Index that journalism is fully or partially blocked in 73% of the world.

.@JWhittingdale pays tribute to Marie Colvin and condemns the deliberate targeting of journalists. He speaks of the efforts Media Freedom Coalition, which was co-founded by the UK following the Global Conference for Media Freedom hosted in London in 2019.

.@JWhittingdale expresses concern over the arrest of Roman Pratasevich and the situation in Belarus, noting that @RSF_inter has labelled Belarus the most dangerous country for journalists in Europe. He also notes concern over the situation in Iran.

Referring to the UK’s ranking on @RSF_inter’s Index, @JWhittingdale notes there is work left to do in the UK, mentioning the killing of Lyra McKee & threats against @amyfentonjourno. He says the National Committee for the Safety of Journalists is working to address these issues.

.@JWhittingdale responds to @SirRogerGale’s question and commits to the inclusion of media freedom in the agenda of the #G7 summit in Cornwall.

.@DamianCollins closes the debate by noting the Online Safety Bill will address protections needed for journalists online. He also echoed concerns expressed by @ChrisM4Chester about the use of abusive SLAPP suits to silence journalists.

Thank you to @DamianCollins for sponsoring this important debate, and to all MPs who spoke out on the need for better protections for journalists and press freedom in the UK and globally! For those who missed it, it will be recorded in Hansard.