Press Gazette launches press freedom petition

Press Gazette has launched a "journalists for freedom and fairness" petition aimed at countering the introduction of draconian press restrictions that could be imposed following the planned inquiries into phone hacking and media ethics.

The petition says: "The vast majority of Britain’s journalists work hard to tell their readers the truth under increasingly tough conditions. We deplore the actions of journalists who have intercepted mobile phone messages. And we condemn any journalist who has breached the trust of their readers/viewers by being involved in corrupt practices.

"As journalists, we believe in free speech and a robust free press and media. We also believe we have an overall duty to serve the public interest and the common good. The press should be fearless, exciting, entertaining, waspish, commercial and competitive.

"At the same time journalistic integrity must be respected, encouraged and protected from political, commercial and other pressures. Any reforms to press regulation should seek to strengthen the ability of journalists to report the news without fear or favour – and not further weaken it."

You can sign it here.