Petition · past parliament
Legislation to curb newspapers from knowingly printing factual inaccuracies.
Closed
43 signatures
What the petition asks
Given the major complaint during the EU referendum was one of factual inaccuracies there should be a way to hold newspapers to account without limiting freedom of the press. If a lie is told on the front page the apology/correction should also be on the front page thus making them more accountable.
The press in the UK is currently beyond reproach. It can print a headline that is totally untrue and currently only be forced to print a small correction where most will not see it.
Recognising the freedom of the press is sacrosanct we must act to ensure they are accountable in a way that does not impinge upon this. Forcing them to give equal space to which the falsehood was printed under regulation by an independent body would help deter them from knowingly printing lies for political gain.
Recognising the freedom of the press is sacrosanct we must act to ensure they are accountable in a way that does not impinge upon this. Forcing them to give equal space to which the falsehood was printed under regulation by an independent body would help deter them from knowingly printing lies for political gain.
Timeline
| 18 Jul 2016 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 18 Jan 2017 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
43
Status
Closed
Opened
18 Jul 2016
Closed
18 Jan 2017
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.