SOUTH Dorset MP Richard Drax has urged people to act to protect press freedom.

Mr Drax has spoken out against legislation which he claims could lead to ‘censorship’ in newspapers and even close down smaller titles.

His comments comes as a consultation by the government on Section 40 of the Crime and Courts Act draws to a close.

Readers have until 5pm today to take part.

Section 40 could force newspapers such as the Dorset Echo to pay the costs incurred by both sides in a libel case even if the newspaper wins and is able to demonstrate that what it reported was accurate and in the public interest.

This could mean papers avoiding publishing certain stories, for fear of being taken to court and paying out hefty bills.

The legislation has come about following the Leveson Inquiry in to the culture, practices and ethics of the British press.

The government is trying to force newspapers to join Impress, a state-backed watchdog, backed by a Royal Charter.

Mr Drax, a former journalist, was one of only 14 MPs to vote against the Royal Charter to regulate the press.

He has since been lobbying ministers, and has spoken in Parliament on the issue.

Mr Drax said: “The reason I have done this is because I believe this will lead to censorship of the press which I find totally unacceptable. This is bad law and it’s not fair.

“Consequently the local press will be restricted from writing about things like they have done in the past, and representing those who haven’t got a voice.

“It would hit papers financially, and could lead to smaller papers closing down.”

Mr Drax said there was already criminal and civil law to cover what journalists write about and how they operate.

And he said he was in support of the independent press regulator IPSO, which is led by a former judge and has the power to impose fines of up to £1 million as well as force papers to print corrections. Many newspapers are signed up to IPSO.

Mr Drax added: “I want a free press, which is the cornerstone of our democracy, with no political interference at all.

"I would urge readers to take part in the consultation while there’s still time, and tell the government to drop this.”

The consultation ends at 5pm today.

Take part by visiting the gov.uk website and going to government consultations and selecting the consultation on the Leveson Inquiry.

Or respond by visiting freethepress.co.uk with a simple submission form that can be sent to the government.