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.

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.