Simon Singh goes to the UK courts today (Tuesday 23rd February) in an appeal against a preliminary ruling in a libel action raised by the British Chiropractic Association. I wish him well.
Another libel action is ongoing on in the UK against cardiologist Peter Wilmshurst, who is being sued after comments made about results in connection with research done by US company NMT Medical.
There is an unsettling feeling in the UK about libel law: many scientists and doctors are speaking out about it as a bad way to judge scientific proof and evidence.
The potential cost puts many people off even pursuing debate and many choose to settle before a case knowing they may not be able to afford it.
You can read about Dr Wilmshurst’s case here and he is also interviewed on Radio 4 for a programme Science on Trial.
I would urge you to consider signing the petition if you have not done so already. Sense about science: National petition for libel law reform
Margaret McCartney
Clive Cookson
Andrew Jack