John Whittingdale Conservative, Maldon
What recent assessment she (The Lord Chancellor) has made of the extent to which local media report on court proceedings.
Oliver Heald The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice
We are committed to upholding and strengthening the principle of open justice, in which local reporters play an important role.
John Whittingdale Conservative, Maldon
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?
Oliver Heald The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice
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.
Ian Lucas Labour, Wrexham
Does the Minister support the BBC’s proposals to work with local newspapers and local websites such as the excellent Wrexham.com to improve the coverage of court proceedings and local coverage generally?
Oliver Heald The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice
In fact, my right hon. Friend Mr Whittingdale was the initiator of that scheme, which we do support.
