Denis MacShane MP today called for an end to corporate libel bullying of consumer groups and criticised the law firm Schillings for “showering writs” on consumer groups, websites and lawyers.
Speaking in support of the introduction of a new clause in the defamation bill that would bar corporations from suing for libel, the MP for Rotherham and former Europe Minister criticised the practice of “civil recovery”, where retailers hire firms to pursue shoplifters for compensation, describing it as “a £15-million-pound racket”.
Schillings has been sending intimidating letters to consumer forums, solicitors and consumer advice groups. The consumer website Legal Beagles today published a letter it received from the law firm.
Acting on behalf civil recovery firm Retail Loss Prevention (RLP), Schillings accused Legal Beagles of a ”vindictive campaign of harassment” and ”defamation” and demanded that the site supply the personal information of some of their members who posted comments on the site.
In May RLP lost a landmark case — the first “civil recovery” case to be contested. Two teenage girls were caught shoplifting, but although the goods were recovered and put on sale, the retailer claimed that its total losses amounted to almost £300. On cross-examination, this was demonstrated to be an exaggeration. The case represents a serious blow to RLP’s business, now that the amounts demanded in compensation have been challenged.
However, instead of retiring gracefully, RLP employed Schillings to threaten not only Legal Beagles but the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB), along with one of its employees and solicitors representing the defendants in the case.
According to research by CAB, more than 750,000 people have been asked to make substantial payments to civil recovery firms since 1998 — and there are concerns that it is the vulnerable who are most at risk.
MacShane pushed for a new clause that would signal to Retail Loss Prevention that “their little game is over”. The Libel Reform Campaign, which includes Index on Censorship, is calling for measures to restrict corporations from using libel laws to silence criticism. Corporations would still be able to use malicious falsehood legislation and company directors could sue in their own name.
The clause was put to the vote in the last session of the public bill committee on the defamation bill today, but was defeated. But the House of Lords can still push this urgent reform through.
Jo Glanville is Editor of Index on Censorship
32 Comments
Una invitación a conocer este portal acerca del bullying.
How are you, I come across this website by accident when I was looking on Google then I came upon your website. I have to tell you that your website is very interesting I really like your theme! Right now I don’t possess the free time at the current moment to read your sitebut I have bookmarked it. I will be back in a day or two. Thanks for a great site.
bastante interesante el post creo q no es tan comun por lo menos aqui en chile saludos!!
interesante
Libel legislation will always be an extremely tricky area of law and corporations will continue to use it as a tool for bullying. I hope that these changes will be seen in order to protect people from this practice. Good write-up.
Hi, is very good!
This topic is a little delicate for the form in the one that is handled ‘ by the persons who are in the power ‘ and every who uses it to his expediency! It is important to analyze this topic thoroughly so that it goes so far as to incorporate a law that is not used to intimidate the persons. It is good to have little information of these topics.
Rafael Rivas!
Toko susu : A great post. Thank you.
According to research by CAB, more than 750,000 people have been asked to make substantial payments to civil recovery firms since 1998 — and there are concerns that it is the vulnerable who are most at risk.
what a great info…thanks
Мнение известного экономиста о МММ http://mmmrevolution.com/?m=content&id=86
okay they have put the new clause
Jo
A great, informative article, that really tackles the meat of the issue. Libel legislation is a very delicate area of law, and you have approached it as such. Sadly, it continues to be used as a tool for bullying, so articles like this are greatly needed to raise awareness of the issue. Great article.
Lobbying and Bullying truly go hand and hand, it’s disgusting…
what a great info…thanks
a great post an important news, thx
We’re seeing the same issues from 1998 and it’s 2013. It really is a shame.
nice info totally agree with it click here
article very interesting and useful.
need volunteer at http://www.unigha.ac.id.thanks
I agree with the comments in the article, this insane competition is nasty.
I agree with the comments in the article, this insane competition is nasty.
unfair competition looks much here in Colombia
Good article. It’s always good to see an attempt to stop bullying from large organizations…as long as it doesn’t infringe on rights.
You really make it seem really easy along with your presentation however
I in finding this matter to be actually something which I feel I
might never understand. It sort of feels too complicated and
very huge for me. I am looking forward to your subsequent submit, I will attempt to get the hang of it!
anic attacks, depression, stress, phobias, trauma, pain, weight loss, smoking, addictions, shyness, accessible speaking, cocky confidence, beddy-bye problems, assay nerves, interviews and more…
hypnotherapy brighton
Thanks For Sharing. Great.
Today, I went to the beachfront with my children. I found a sea shell and
gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She placed the shell to her ear and screamed.
There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back!
LoL I know this is completely off topic but I had to tell someone!
I agree that it is very important for an end corporate libel bullying cases. Excelent post.
I’ll right away clutch your rss as I can’t find your email subscription link or newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Please allow me realize so that I may subscribe. Thanks.
It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d without a doubt donate to this fantastic blog! I guess for now i’ll settle for bookmarking and adding your RSS feed
to my Google account. I look forward to brand new updates and will share this blog with my Facebook group.
Chat soon!
interesting article thanks
Thank you for the good writeup. It in fact was
a amusement account it. Look advanced to far added agreeable from you!
However, how can we communicate?
One Trackback
[...] MP argued in favour of a new clause that would bar corporations from suing for libel. There is a post about this on the Free Speech blog. The proposed new clause was rejected by the Committee which ultimately [...]