Theresa May defends freedom of the press and the judiciary

Theresa May has defended freedom of the press, amid a furious row over media commentary on the High Court's Brexit ruling.

There have been calls for ministers to come to the defence of the three judges who issued a judgment that Mrs May must seek MPs' approval before beginning EU withdrawal negotiations, after they came under fierce attack from critics.

One newspaper branded the three judges - including Lord Chief Justice Lord Thomas - "enemies of the people", while Ukip leadership candidate Suzanne Evans said judicial appointment rules should be changed to allow judges to be sacked for opposing the popular will.

But speaking during a visit to India, Mrs May said: "I believe in and value the independence of our judiciary. I also value the freedom of our press.

"I think these both underpin our democracy and they are important.

"Of course the judges will look at the legal arguments. We've got as a Government strong legal arguments for our case.

"It's important that we have the independence of the judiciary. It's also important we have a free press."

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