Michelle Mone: Is it too easy for the rich and famous to lie to the public?
Dec 18, 2023
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Michelle Mone, a controversial entrepreneur, discusses lying to the press and the missing Mone millions. Tax lawyer Dan Neidle and Labour shadow minister Nick Thomas-Symonds weigh in. Former UK Ambassador to Lebanon, Tom Fletcher, talks about the Israel-Hamas war.
Defamation law should be amended to require a statement of truth from claimants to discourage misuse and protect investigative journalism.
Growing recognition that private persuasion has not been effective in Israel, and calls for a ceasefire are part of broader efforts to preserve international law and promote lasting peace in the region.
Deep dives
Shift in Language and Demands for Ceasefire in Gaza
There appears to be a shifting in the demands for a ceasefire in Gaza and criticism of Israel's actions. Western nations, including France, Germany, and the UK, are voicing concerns over the escalating violence and its impact on civilians. The language used by policymakers is carefully chosen, attempting to balance the need for Israel to defend itself while calling for an end to violence against civilians. However, public appeals may have limited impact if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu disregards them. There is growing recognition that private persuasion has not been effective and that Israel's actions may be undermining the possibility of a two-state solution. Calls for a ceasefire are seen as part of broader efforts to preserve international law, prevent further radicalization, and promote lasting peace in the region.
The Challenges of Defamation Law in Protecting Journalistic Freedom
Defamation law is being used by lawyers to intimidate and silence journalists, especially when dealing with powerful individuals or corporations. The current legal framework allows lawyers to send threatening letters without consequences, even if they contain false statements. Legal experts suggest that the law should be amended to require a statement of truth from claimants and impose penalties for perjury or false claims. The aim is to discourage the misuse of defamation threats and create a more level playing field for journalists conducting investigative journalism. Legislative reform is necessary to protect and preserve the crucial role of journalism in exposing the truth and holding those in power accountable.
Concerns Over EDF's Massive Electricity Bills
EDF, the energy company, has sent inexplicably high electricity bills to some customers, including well-known figures like Grayson Perry and John Sopel. The bills issued contain exorbitant amounts, far beyond what customers were expecting or have previously paid. The reason for these unexpected increases is unclear, as some customers, like Grayson Perry, had attempted to charge his bank account with the incorrect amount. While EDF has acknowledged the mistake and apologized to some customers, others are still left confused and concerned about the accuracy of their bills. It remains to be seen whether this issue is a technical glitch or a more widespread problem affecting EDF customers.
What did Michelle Mone mean when she said all she’d done was “lie to the press“ after she threatened journalists with lawsuits if they dared to investigate her story?
Today we follow all the unanswered questions - is our defamation law serving the public?
What did the government know about the missing Mone millions?
And should she still sit in the House of Lords?
Tax Lawyer Dan Neidle and Labour shadow minister Nick Thomas-Symonds join us.
After that, we speak to former UK Ambassador to Lebanon Tom Fletcher on the horror and pain that the war between Israel and Hamas continues to inflict on all those affected; and is Jon Sopel running a covert cannabis farm in his basement?