Simon Singh allegedly described the British Chiropractic Association as peddling “bogus” medicine given the claims of many of its members for being able to treat a whole range of diseases and disorders, including infant colic, ADHD, bed wetting, birth trauma, sporting injuries, and much more. There is a positive dearth of reliable, reproducible clinical evidence for such treatments, although anecdotally many chiropractors claim successes in treating a whole range of disorders.

The BCA sued Singh 18 months ago in England and in so doing has unleashed a revolution that could see English libel law changed beyond recognition to protect those who simply wish to discuss scientific matters in public without fear of legal action.

Just for the record, English law is not British law (Scotland has its own legal system). English libel laws are notoriously complicated and judgements hinge on hearsay, anecdote, and nonsense arguments and really do need revising to bring them kicking like a mule (actually an ass) into the 21st Century.

Anyway, here’s Singh’s open letter:

Dear Friends

It has been 18 months since I was sued for libel after publishing my article on chiropractic. I am continuing to fight my case and am prepared to defend my article for another 18 months or more if necessary. The ongoing libel case has been distracting, draining and frustrating, but it has always been heartening to receive so much support, particularly from people who realise that English libel laws need to be reformed in order to allow robust discussion of matters of public interest. Over twenty thousand people signed the statement to Keep Libel Laws out of Science, but now we need you to sign up again and add your name to the new statement.

The new statement is necessary because the campaign for libel reform is stepping up a gear and will be working on much broader base. Sense About Science has joined forces with Index on Censorship and English PEN and their goal is to reach 100,000 or more signatories in order to help politicians appreciate the level of public support for libel reform. We have already met several leading figures from all three main parties and they have all showed signs of interest. Now, however, we need a final push in order to persuade them to commit to libel reform.

Finally, I would like to make three points. First, I will stress again – please take the time to reinforce your support for libel reform by signing up at www.libelreform.org. Second, please spread the word by blogging, twittering, Facebooking and emailing in order to encourage friends, family and colleagues to sign up. Third, for those supporters who live overseas, please also add your name to the petition and encourage others to do the same; unfortunately and embarrassingly, English libel laws impact writers in the rest of the world [you can be sued in England in what's known as libel tourism], but now you can help change those laws by showing your support for libel reform. While I fight in my own libel battle, I hope that you will fight the bigger battle of libel reform.

Dr Simon Singh