Swamp Thing
Remainiac Terrorist
Who's to say it's not in the public interest, I'm sure there's many British supporters of The Donald who would be very interested in what is being said about him.
I say.
OK, it is a matter of opinion.
But there is a massive difference between public interest (people should know because they are being lied to or government is up to no good) and some members of the public being interested (juicy sexy secrets etc). I think publishing the cables of a UK Ambassador just doing his job (everyone has said he was just doing his job and was doing nothing wrong) falls into the second category. i.e. some people may be interested but it is not in the public interest. And is has damaged the UK's relationship with the US and vice versa.
If the press can print any leaked information without any possibility of being prosecuted then we should let them publish nuclear launch codes, the secret addresses of people in protective custody, the correspondence between the DHSS and a single mother of 4 on her benefit entitlements given her part time job as an exotic dancer. Because some people will be interested.
Then there is also the concern over why they were published. Was it just to sell newspapers? Or was there something more sinister behind it? What if, just for example, someone who might be the Prime Minister of the UK in a few days times wanted to make some agreements with the US early in their term, but saw the civil service and the current UK Ambassador and his staff as a possible blocker to this, but can't find a legitimate way to get rid of him. So maybe turned to some likeminded people on the political right who have been very supportive of his campaign and just happen to run a newspaper - and are happy to take some privileged emails of his (or her) hands... ...now THAT would be public interest. Or whatever other reason the source had for doing this. And that is why the press should be chatting to the Metropolitan Police right now. Probably under caution.
I am happy to fight and die for press freedom. When exercised responsibly.