MPs were today due to be handed a briefing from the National Union of Journalists highlighting the dangers to journalism posed by Lord Hutton's inquiry in to the death of Dr David Kelly.

Union general secretary Jeremy Dear and Austin Mitchell MP were launching the report prior to today's business in the House of Commons.

Jeremy said: "The Hutton report poses a real and grave threat to journalism.

"It not only opens the door to greater political interference in the BBC but gives succour to those politicians and others who try to intimidate the media and put obstacles in the way of investigative journalism.

"It will inevitably mean journalists face greater pressure to reveal their sources and will make sources and whistleblowers think twice before coming forward.

"Whether people believe Andrew Gilligan was right or wrong they will recognise the incredible stress, pressure and scrutiny he has faced on a personal and professional level.

"Other journalists may choose to censor themselves than fear facing such a trauma or news organisations will drop or modify investigations and reports.

"In the face of such threats and pressures journalists everywhere must be more determined than ever to seek the truth, expose corruption, hold politicians and government to account and subject government to rigorous scrutiny.

"Journalism must answer its critics by ensuring our work is not tainted by political pressure or commercial considerations, being aware at all times of the need for accuracy and balance."

His comments follow statements from the media watchdog Mediawise, whose director Mike Jempson warned journalists to
"check their facts", and a speech by Leader of the Opposition Michael Howard, whose comments on an "independent and fair media" matched some of the views expressed by the NUJ.

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