A Libel Reform Bill has been tabled in the House of Lords

I added the full text of an e-mail I received today as a comment on my last thread here - but on reading it carefully, I think it merits a new mention. Here's an extract (my emphasis):

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The Bill will also:

• require claimants to provide evidence their reputation was damaged by an alleged libel before they can bring a case forward (they don't have to do this at present) and make corporations prove financial damage before they can sue.
• Address the problems introduced by the rise of the internet and the culture of online publication including the multiple publication rule that makes each download a fresh instance of libel, and alter the responsibility of forum hosts for what is posted on their sites.
  
• Encourage the speedy settlement of disputes without parties having to bring in costly lawyers.
• Promote the speedy settlement of disputes without recourse to the courts.

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Think our hosts should sit up and pay attention.

John.