Censors block eight films from video release
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.EIGHT FILMS have been banned from current release on video by the British censors because of uncertainty over new classification rules, writes Jason Bennetto.
The decision by the British Board of Film Censors comes after a climbdown by Michael Howard, the Home Secretary, who agreed last month, to issue stricter controls and penalties for video 'nasties'. An amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill is being drafted by the Home Office. But fears that the censors might breach the new regulations and face court action is causing a log jam.
The films, whose classifications for video have been postponed, include Reservoir Dogs and Bad Lieutenant, Michael Winner's violent Dirty Weekend, and Beyond Bedlam, a psychological thriller.
James Ferman, the board's director, said: 'It will clog up the board if a decison (by the Home Office) is not made soon.' The Home Office is expected to draw up a new amendment in the next few weeks after being forced to make an 11th-hour compromise with David Alton, the Liberal Democrat MP, who was seeking tough restrictions on violent videos that might influence children.
Mr Alton withdrew his amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill that had threatened to defeat the Government in a vote.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments