A peer proposing a change to the law which would make it illegal for anyone to publicly name an arrested person has met opposition in the House of Lords from a Government minister.
Lib Dem Home Affairs spokesman Lord Paddick of Brixton wants police to be able to arrest people without releasing names to the public.
But speaking in the second reading of the Anonymity (Arrested Persons) Bill in the Lords, Home Office Minister Baroness Williams of Trafford refused to back the Bill.
She said: “Restricting the freedom of the Press is a serious matter and we are not yet persuaded that legislating in this instance would be a necessary or proportionate response to the perceived problems.
“We do recognise the importance of debating these issues and we will keep the position under review.”
Lord Paddick claimed people like Sir Cliff (pictured below) had their reputations ruined when allegations of historic child abuse made by four men were publicised, although he was neither arrested nor charged.
He said his Bill would make it illegal for those arrested to be named by anyone and journalists would have to seek approval from a judge to release names in the public interest, such as to encourage potential rape victims to come forward.
Lord Paddick said: “Being arrested by the police lends credence to the allegations made.
“Members of the public, encouraged by the press and the…
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