NUJ calls for independent inquiry and stricter legislation on journalist surveillance
The NUJ has called for stricter legislation to prevent corporate surveillance of journalists and for an independent inquiry into allegations surrounding the hiring of a public relations agency to investigate numerous reporters and their sources.
The union’s parliamentary group has tabled an Early Day Motion outlining concerns that Labour Together commissioned APCO Worldwide in order to gain “leverage” over journalists from The Sunday Times, The Guardian and others who were examining the organisation’s funding.
The motion expresses worry at "the apparent ability of commercial organisations marketing and selling services aimed at the surveillance of journalists for the purposes of intimidation" and calls for "stricter legislation to prohibit private entities from gathering or purchasing data on journalists for the purpose of identifying sources."
Keir Starmer has confirmed that the Cabinet Office will look into the allegations. The prime minister said: “I didn’t know anything about this investigation, and it absolutely needs to be looked into, so the Cabinet Office will be establishing the facts.”
Laura Davison, NUJ general secretary, said:
“These allegations are alarming. Journalists have a legal right to protect their sources and must be able to report in the public interest without being subjected to surveillance or intimidation. The idea that organisations could be contracted to smear journalists and stymie reporting is an affront to press freedom and democracy.
“The severity of these allegations requires proper scrutiny and full transparency. The NUJ demands an independent inquiry into the actions of Labour Together and APCO Worldwide, and stronger legislation to prevent corporate actors from targeting journalists and their sources.”
On 23 February the NUJ's parliamentary group raised a number of urgent questions regarding journalist surveillance in Westminster. John McDonnell, NUJ parliamentary group secretary, said the alleged investigation of journalists was "an attempt to smear journalists to prevent them reporting the truth."
Rebecca Long-Bailey, NUJ parliamentary group chair, called for an urgent, independent and transparent inquiry into the activities of Labour Together and APCO. "We need stronger legislation to prevent the corporate surveillance of journalists."
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