The MLA, on the invitation of the HMCTS Media Working Group, was invited to make representations to the Criminal Procedure Rules Committee concerning the current wording of Part 6 of the Criminal Procedure Rules. Specifically, the MLA was asked to draft a position paper to persuade the Rules Committee to amend the wording of Part 6 to include reference to the press as a party which must be notified whenever a discretionary reporting restriction is being contemplated by the court. The MLA gathered examples where this was not done resulting in a restriction being applied and drafted a convincing position paper lobbying for a change.
The Rules Committee agreed to the proposed amendments and the Rules will be amended to make clear that the Court must specifically notify “reporters” before imposing a reporting restriction, “by means of such arrangements as the Lord Chancellor directs”.
The rule changes will become effective from the beginning of October 2025.
The MLA working group was: Catherine Courtney, Sayra Tekin and Demelza Hassani.
MEDIA LAWYERS ASSOCIATION 