THE UK Government has published the first national action plan aimed at protecting journalists from abuse and harassment.

Journalists have reported suffering abuse and attacks, such as being punched, threatened with knives, forcibly detained and subjected to rape and death threats, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) said.

Commitments in the new action plan include training for police officers and journalists, while prosecution services across the UK have reaffirmed their commitment to taking a robust approach to crimes against reporters.

Every police force is to be given access to a designated journalist safety liaison officer, and the National Police Chiefs’ Council has appointed a lead officer to take responsibility for crimes against journalists at a national level.

Meanwhile, DCMS and the Home Office are to launch a call for evidence to build a better understanding of threats and abuse against journalists to take a targeted approach in tackling the issue.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “Freedom of speech and a free press are at the very core of our democracy, and journalists must be able to go about their work without being threatened.

“The cowardly attacks and abuse directed at reporters for simply doing their job cannot continue.

“This action plan is just the start of our work to protect those keeping the public informed, and defend those holding the Government to account.”

A survey of members of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) in November last year found more than half of respondents had experienced online abuse while nearly a quarter had been physically assaulted or attacked.

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NUJ general secretary Michelle Stanistreet said: “Attacks on journalists are designed to silence and intimidate those who work to uphold the public’s right to know. NUJ members have shared horrific experiences of being attacked, abused and threatened – on and offline –  simply for doing their job. 

“It’s clear that reported incidents are the tip of the iceberg and that harassment and abuse has become normalised. This action plan, with its range of practical measures and protections, is an important step towards changing that and ensuring journalists can get on with their vital work free from harassment or intimidation.”

As part of the national action plan, social media giants Facebook and Twitter have committed to respond promptly to complaints of threats to journalists’ safety 
online, according to DCMS.

The platforms have previously been criticised for not acting swiftly enough to remove dangerous or damaging content, but have in recent times ramped up their efforts in tackling abuse. 

The joint effort by law enforcement, broadcasters, publishers, industry bodies, unions and the Government has been endorsed by the National Committee for the Safety of Journalists. The Government said the action plan supports wider work ministers are carrying out to uphold freedom of speech, under the forthcoming Online Safety Bill.

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Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “Attacks on journalists are not only 
horrendous for those individuals but an assault on our democracy.

“Today’s action plan will make sure journalists can go about their vital work without fear.”

Ian Murray, executive director of the Society of Editors, said there was a need to act quickly on the issue.

He said: “The action plan recognises the urgency of protecting journalists carrying out their vital role in protecting democracy.

“Due to their role in holding the powerful and those in authority to task journalists attract strong reactions.But this should not manifest itself in ways that threaten journalists and their families. This action plan makes that clear.”