Max Mosley is trying to erase history. He wants all references to the German-themed sadomasochistic orgy involving him and five prostitutes removing from newspapers. Mosley (through a family trust) also bankrolls Impress, the only approved state press regulator. But he doesn't want you to know that. In future he wants newspapers banned saying he bankrolls Impress. If the words "approved state press regulator" doesn't send an uncomfortable chill up your spine, then Mosley bankrolling it should.
Lest we forget, Mosley is the son of Oswald Mosley, leader of the former British Union of Fascists. He got married in 1936 to his second wife, Diana Mitford, in the glorious setting of Joseph Goebbels's home. To make the day even more special, Adolf Hitler was present. Oswald Mosley had very robust views about the free press. He hated it. And some of that hatred has rubbed off on his son. For to attempt to erase history and to attempt to force newspaper to stop reporting the truth, can only be described as a form of fascism. Daddy would be proud. What a chip off the old block!
The vast majority of newspaper have rightly refused to join Impress. They instead are regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). Impress can only be described as impressive in the most egregious way. It is run by a bunch of free press haters - people who want to bankrupt popular national newspapers. If Section 40 of the Crime and Courts Act 2013 is implemented, it will mean that if any newspaper refuses to join Mosley's mob (the only approved state regulator), they will have to pay the plaintiff's costs even if they win the case.
Wold you want to be regulated by someone whose family trust bankrolls the approved state regulator, but will make a legal bid to prevent you from finding out?
Too many Peers in the House of Lords do. In February last year, some Peers tried to amend the Digital Economy Bill (before it became an Act) to more or less include the same draconian sanctions as Section 40. Last month they were at it again trying to force newspapers to pay the costs in data protection court cases, even if they win. Interestingly, a third of those 200 Peers who voted in favour have been exposed by newspapers in major scandals. It appears that they are using their position to seek revenge. It's in their vested interest to muzzle the free press.
Max Mosley is an utter disgrace. His latest attempt to rewrite history is further proof of this. But he's in a powerful position as a major bankroller of Impress. He has power and influence behind the scenes and will stop at nothing to close down some of our most popular newspapers. Local and regional titles are also at risk, but no doubt he will see them as collateral damage. With the support of his chums in the House of Lords, this free press hater may finish off his father's work.
Photo Credit: speedpropertybuyers.co.uk/