DOMINIC Raab has vowed to halt the “creep” of privacy laws used by the rich and famous to cover up wrongdoing.
He aims to strengthen free speech by reforming the Human Rights Act.
Raab reaffirmed his determination to uphold the tradition after five Supreme Court judges ruled that criminal suspects should not be named.
MPs reacted in fury to the decision — branding it a step towards secret justice.
They warned Mr Raab that alleged terrorists, rapists, paedophiles and violent offenders could use it to ban news coverage — stopping victims or witnesses from coming forward.
But Mr Raab, who is also Justice Secretary and Lord Chancellor, said he is already looking to curb continental-style privacy rules being ushered in by unelected judges.
He told Trending In The News on Sunday: “Free speech is the backbone of our democracy.
“The situation with Russia reminds us how important it is to have a thriving media free to hold powerful people to account.
“Our human rights reforms will strengthen this long-standing British tradition and end the creep of privacy laws which go beyond what Parliament has agreed and uphold the principle of a free and vibrant press.”
The Supreme Court ruled a US businessman being probed in the UK over claims of fraud, bribery and corruption since 2013 had a “reasonable expectation of privacy” and the right to keep his identity hidden.
