Comment from Neil Armstrong-Nash, Managing Director of Liberty Hotels Ltd and Liberation.
It is our firm belief that the British swinging scene has, for far too long, been run as a cottage industry. Negative and salacious reporting has driven the whole scene underground, and as a result, led to prejudices associated with our lifestyle choice. When Lianne and I came up with the idea of opening Liberation last year, our aim was to provide a safe, comfortable and luxurious environment where like-minded people could meet. I hope that you will agree with me when I say that I believe we have achieved this in Liberation.
Furthermore, we recognised that for the UK swinging scene to grow-up and mature like that of its European counterparts, the cycle of silence, misconception and prejudice needed to be broken. Therefore, Lianne and I have tirelessly championed the cause in the British media, achieving positive profile as a result. In fact, new research commissioned with YouGov has revealed that just over 10% of Britons in a relationship have or would like to swing, demonstrating the growing acceptance in this country.
Sadly, our spirits were somewhat dampened on Sunday morning when we read that the club was at the centre of a tabloid exclusive, "exposing the secrets of a new hotel for swingers," in the News of the World. While the article basically concluded nothing more than the fact that "consenting adults have safe sex in rural Leicestershire," particularly as Lianne and I had already given the newspaper in question an open, honest and frank interview some months earlier. We were alarmed by the invasion of privacy that underlay the approach the story did take.
Since launching Liberation in February of this year, we have made every effort to protect the identities of our members. Our membership rules clearly state that no photographic devices are allowed in the club, and the identities of our members should not be revealed to any third party including the media.
Our approach of being open with the press has largely been welcomed by all concerned as it has led to greater balance in reporting and has meant the press were only present when the club was closed or accompanied by our PR agent. It had, we believed, removed the desire or need to go ‘undercover’.
Unfortunately, due to the News of the World article and, moreover, the accompanying pictures, we are now forced to introduce stricter security measures. Although all members are already required to provide proof of ID, we have now introduced even more stringent security checks including an electronic scanner to pick up any hidden recording devices and random bag searches. Whilst mobile phones have always had to be left in lockers, we now also have no option but to place a total ban on them in the club.
Finally, we have taken legal advice and will be taking action against the journalists in question as well as the newspaper. A complaint has been logged against the News of the World with the Press Complaints Commission and we will keep you posted as to the result.
We will continue to champion the cause for swingers in Britain and welcome any comments feedback to
