Choose 1 motion from the following 3 motions to give your Prime Minister speech You are required not more than 1000 words1 This House would ban journalists from using anonymous sources

Honorable Speaker, esteemed members of the House and fellow citizens,

I stand before you today to voice my strong opposition to the motion that proposes the banning of journalists from using anonymous sources. I believe this motion is a direct threat to the freedom of the press and the fundamental principles of democracy.

Journalism is a crucial pillar of any democracy, and the freedom of the press is a cornerstone of that pillar. Journalists play a vital role in holding governments and other powerful institutions accountable. They are tasked with the responsibility of keeping citizens informed about issues that affect their daily lives and shaping public opinion. Anonymous sources are an essential tool that allows journalists to carry out this vital function.

In many cases, anonymous sources are the only way that journalists are able to uncover and report on important stories. They provide information that might not otherwise be available due to fear of retaliation, reprisals, or other forms of retribution. Without the ability to protect the identity of their sources, journalists would be unable to report on many important issues, and the public would be left in the dark.

Furthermore, banning journalists from using anonymous sources would be a direct violation of the principles of freedom of expression and the public's right to know. It would undermine the ability of the press to act as a watchdog and hold those in power accountable. It would also create a chilling effect on whistleblowers and other sources who might be hesitant to come forward for fear of retaliation.

Instead of banning journalists from using anonymous sources, we should be focusing on improving journalistic standards and accountability. Journalism is not immune to criticism, and there are certainly cases where journalists have abused the privilege of anonymity. However, these cases should be addressed through ethical guidelines and professional standards, not through blanket bans.

In conclusion, I urge this House to reject the proposal to ban journalists from using anonymous sources. Doing so would be a direct attack on the freedom of the press, and would undermine the vital role that journalists play in our society. Instead, we should be working to ensure that journalists are held to the highest standards of professionalism and ethics, and that their ability to report on important stories is protected. Thank you