The science writer at the centre of attempts to reform British libel law is calling for more support this week.

Simon Singh, who is embroiled in a legal battle with the British Chiropractic Association, wants 100,000 people to sign up to a libel reform petition. To this end he is calling for everyone who has already signed the petition to persuade someone else to sign up.

He says the UK’s current laws “gag scientists, bloggers and journalists”. As well as his case, he notes that two medical researchers are being sued over comments they made about certain medical treatments.

Around 17,000 people have signed the petition so far.

“I’ve had to spend £100,000 to defend my writing and have put my life on hold for almost two years. However, the prospect of reforming our libel laws keeps me cheerful,” Singh wrote last week.

Nature Publishing Group is among those who have signed the petition for libel law reform.