TODAY is the last day for you to block radical proposals that could see newspapers forced to pay their opponents’ legal costs even if they win in court.

The freedom of the press is under threat, and it puts the very future of newspapers such as The Northern Echo at risk.

The government’s consultation, which ends today at 5pm, is to consider the implementation of measures that would penalise newspapers not signed up to a state-sanctioned regulator.

If section 40 of the Crime and Courts Act is passed into law it will mean that anyone who disagrees with what we write can challenge it in court without any fear of incurring a financial penalty. It dictates that all legal costs, irrespective of who wins, will always be met by the publisher. A crooked politician, police force or businessman could sue the publication that exposed them and bankrupt it even when they lost. It would in all probability signal the death knell for investigative reporting.

We are not perfect and mistakes happen, but when they do, the law already ensures we are punished. For all the threats of legal action, few result in financial penalty. Not because we enjoy protection from a weak legal system, but due to the fact that we act responsibly and in the public interest.

From exposing corruption at the top of an organisation to bringing criminals to justice, Echo journalists have a long-standing reputation for being a key part of the democratic process. Section 40 would have a devastating impact on our ability to do our job. It won’t force us to act any more responsibly. What it will mean is every time we get to court, and win we would still be saddled with the cost of legal action for both sides. Does that sound fair?

To show your support for a free press visit https://freethepress.co.uk/ and follow the instructions.