Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Oliver Heald and John Whittingdale

Tuesday 7th March 2017 Commons Chamber

[Sir Oliver Heald]

I am not going to make my declaration about that now, Mr Speaker. This is a complex issue. There is a role for the local authorities to play, and there is some legal aid available, but I am in correspondence with Amnesty and am looking into the matter in detail.

[Mr John Whittingdale (Maldon) (Con)]

8. What recent assessment she has made of the extent to which local media report on court proceedings.

[The Minister for Courts and Justice (Sir Oliver Heald)]

We are committed to upholding and strengthening the principle of open justice, in which local reporters play an important role.

[Mr Whittingdale]

Does my right hon. and learned Friend share my concern that more than half of local newspaper editors have said that they think the courts are no longer being reported properly? Does he agree that justice needs not only to be done but to be seen to be done and that the decline of local media represents a real threat to that principle? What more can be done to address this issue?

[Sir Oliver Heald]

Yes, I agree entirely with my right hon. Friend. This is an important area. We are committed to upholding open justice, and local reporting of court proceedings is a key part of that. Under our reforms, we will publish lists of forthcoming criminal cases and their outcomes. We will also allow access to virtual hearings via video screens in local courts, so that reporters can see those proceedings anywhere in the country. We hope that that will make a contribution to the important principle that my right hon. Friend highlights