The bill was presented by Justice Secretary Ken Clarke in March, following concerns that existing libel laws were damaging freedom of expression in scientific and academic debate.

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The draft bill was presented by Justice Secretary Ken Clarke in March, following concerns that existing libel laws were damaging freedom of expression in scientific and academic debate.

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After the Commons vote, minister without portfolio Ken Clarke, who is overseeing the bill's progress through Parliament, said its measures were "common sense".

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Willie Clarke from Sinn Fein said the bill transferred a huge responsibility on local councils and the increase in fixed penalties would help offset the increased costs.

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The Cabinet Office minister Ken Clarke - who is responsible for this bill - has deliberately avoided stoking the fire.

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While England come into this series with a clean bill of health, Australia's concerns about vice-captain Michael Clarke have failed to dissipate.

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Playwright Kevin Clarke, whose work includes scripts for Doctor Who as well as Casualty, The Bill and the Inspector Linley Mysteries, is writing the Meek screenplay.

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Two Cabinet Ministers - Justice Secretary Ken Clarke and Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt are before the Joint Committee on the Draft Defamation Bill, along with Justice Minister Lord McNally.

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