LONDON (AP) — The British government is preparing to offer proposals to amend the country's strict libel laws.
The Ministry of Justice said draft legislation would be published at midday Tuesday.
Britain has been accused of being a haven for "libel tourism," meaning that its laws make it easier to win a judgment and that courts will accept suits even though there was scant publication in the U.K.
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg says the proposed changes will provide for a public interest defense, and will clarify the law on fair comment and justification.
Clegg says the legislation will also address concerns about the high cost of litigation, and will also seek to update the law to reflect the realities of instantaneous, global communication via the Internet.
