Tesco libel action condemned

The NUJ is calling on folk to write to the Chief Executive of Tesco to condemn a $33m libel action against two Thai journalists and The Guardian. Such actions appear to be designed to silence critics of Tesco’s business policies and are a potential threat to freedom of expression. There is a legitimate public interest in investigating business practices and if corporations like Tesco believes such investigations reach the wrong conclusions then there is ample opportunity to make a case publicly. However by seeking to bankrupt individuals in such a way, Tesco is clearly seeking to warn off others from such investigations and to pull a cloak over its activities.

In a democratic society robust investigation and questioning of the activities of politicians and corporations is vital if citizens are to be able to make informed choices. You can join me and many others in sending a standard letter from here to Tesco.