STEPHEN GLOVER: Is it too much to hope that Prince Harry will accept that people who don’t like the Press in this country won’t be allowed to destroy it?
Columnist Stephen Glover argues that the High Court’s dismissal of claims brought by Prince Harry and six others against Associated Newspapers is an important defence of press freedom. He says powerful figures should not be able to use litigation to damage newspapers simply because they dislike coverage, while acknowledging that Baroness Lawrence should not be financially ruined.
Mr Justice Nicklin dismissed all 97 claims six weeks earlier and has now ordered the claimants to pay £9.54 million in costs by the following Friday, with an indemnity order potentially increasing their liability. Associated Newspapers spent £34.5 million defending the case, while the claimants’ insurance is reportedly limited to £16.2 million and their own legal costs may exceed £20 million.
- Court defeat could leave Harry and co-claimants facing substantial costs.
- The columnist portrays the ruling as a defence of press freedom.
- Baroness Lawrence is singled out as deserving compassion.