13 Civil liberties
Congress expresses its concern at the steady erosion of civil liberties in the UK and in particular the negative impact such attacks have on members' working lives.
Congress congratulates unions who have resisted the imposition of draconian measures in the workplace and unions who have worked with civil liberty campaigners to expose the wider threat posed to civil liberties, including plans for ID cards, 42-day detention and limits on the right to protest.
Congress also expresses its grave concern at the threats to independent journalism posed by the Terrorism Act and other recent legislation. In particular, Congress condemns the threat to jail journalists such as Shiv Malik and Robin Ackroyd for protecting journalistic sources.
Congress recognises the importance of a free media in a democratic society, the essential function fulfilled by whistleblowers and the vital public interest in upholding journalists' rights not to reveal their sources.
Congress condemns attempts to use the Contempt of Court Act, Terrorism Act and other legislation to compel journalists to betray confidential sources in breach of Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
Congress urges the General Council to take a lead and work with affiliates to support legal and industrial challenges to defend civil liberties and the right of members to work free from such threats.
National Union of Journalists
The following AMENDMENT was accepted
In paragraph 3, line 1, after 'journalism' insert 'and academic freedom'.
At end of paragraph 3 add:
'Congress also condemns the use of the Terrorism Act to restrict the rights of academics and students to research and study terrorist tactics (as occurred at the University of Nottingham in May).'
Insert new paragraph 5:
'Congress also recognises the importance of academic freedom in guaranteeing a robust democracy.'
University and College Union
