ENGLISH libel law, intended to protect reputations, is at times stifling scientific debate – and not just in the UK. In June, we reported how author Simon Singh is being sued over an article in which he questioned the use of spinal manipulation to treat certain childhood conditions. Support for reform is now widespread and has culminated in a review by the UK’s justice secretary. deserves the support of everyone, anywhere in the world, who values the free discussion of ideas.
To continue reading, today with our introductory offers
Advertisement
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles
1
The world's fastest spider tops 3.5 metres per second
2
A type of fibre that stimulates GLP-1 release approved for use in food
3
Babies are born with the neural foundations for maths
4
Where, when and how to watch the 2026 solar eclipse
5
The weirdness of neutrinos could completely rewrite particle physics
6
We’re not the most successful human species
7
The best new science-fiction novels published in July 2026
8
US government wants to have a useful quantum computer by 2028
9
Our verdict on The Selfish Gene: An unpopular piece of popular science
10
How menopause radically changes the brain – and what happens after
