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Authors take on Tesco

29.04.08

A group of Britain’s leading authors has accused Tesco of using “deeply chilling” tactics to silence its critics. Nick Hornby and Mark Haddon are among the writers who have signed a letter in The Times today condemning the supermarket for prosecuting a Thai business leader for making a speech that decried Tesco’s expansion. If the supermarket is successful Jit Siratranont could be jailed.

Hornby and Haddon – together with Marina Lewycka and Deborah Moggach – have also put their names to a longer open letter arguing that a criminal libel prosecution and two civil actions against journalists represent a breach of their human rights.

The authors threw their weight behind the protest – organised by English PEN, a campaign group for freedom of expression – despite the combined sales of their books through Tesco being estimated at £2.5m.

The Times

tesco Home Deborah Moggach NIck Hornby Mark Haddon Marina Lewycka

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By Richard

Nothing can stop Tesco et al taking control of the high street and nothing can stop Google AND Amazon controlling the electronic highway. Money talks and they have a nation's capital EACH. They are formidable and un-fightable.

29 Apr 08 09:05

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By Tom

It's about time people realised that unless they are willing to speak out against the vicious and cutthroat business practices (in order for companies to get THAT rich, someone else has to get very poor) then the businesses will continue. Consumers have the power to sway them because they control that which they value most: money. All power to Mark Haddon, Nick Hornby et al for standing up, next step force Tesco to stop selling your books if they don't comply.

29 Apr 08 13:34

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By June Austin

Richard is wrong - no one is unstoppable and we do have the power to change things by voting with our mice and with our credit cards. Money is all they care about, so hit them where it hurts and stop giving them yours. Power to the people !

01 May 08 21:57

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