Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of reduced media coverage of magistrates' courts on (a) democracy and (b) transparency of the justice system.

We are aware of the reduced number of journalists to cover magistrates' proceedings. The Ministry of Justice is committed to open justice and ensuring that the media can report on proceedings effectively. Allowing the public to scrutinise and understand court processes helps to build trust and confidence in the justice system and our democracy. Courts and tribunals are improving how they provide information to the media and the public, ensuring our justice system remains transparent.