Richard Dawkins called for reform of English libel law at a Liberal Democrats party conference Sunday. Dawkins cited the example of physicist-turned-science writer Simon Singh, who is fighting a libel case brought by the British Chiropractic Association (BCA). His case, still pending, has set off a public campaign in the UK for revision of its libel laws, which some critics deride for attracting libel tourists from other countries for being unusually plaintiff-friendly.

According to The Guardian Dawkins told the Lib Dems that he “and many of my colleagues fear that if Simon loses it will have major implications on the freedom of scientists, researchers and other commentators to engage in robust criticism of scientific and pseudo-scientific work.”

Last week the UK Ministry of Justice announced a public consultation on internet defamation law.

Nature coverage of Singh libel case:

Chiropractors reveal “plethora of medical evidence” (The Great Beyond, 22 June 2009)

Complaints converge on chiropractors (The Great Beyond, 15 June 2009)

Chiropractic group advises members to ‘withdraw from the battleground’ (The Great Beyond, 10 June 2009)

Petition, press release follow ruling (The Great Beyond, 8 June 2009)

Science writer will appeal libel case ruling (Nature News, 3 June 2009)

Science writer waits on legal advice in libel case (The Great Beyond, 19 May 2009)

Court setback for science writer (Nature News, 13 May 2009)

Simon Singh loses first round in chiropractic fight (The Great Beyond, 8 May 2009)