Lobby and Media Briefings: Journalists' Access

Clarified the situation, stating that all journalists are welcome at standard lobby briefings but additional technical briefings may exclude certain individuals. Emphasised adherence to media freedom principles and dismissed criticisms from the Labour party.

Suggested that the Government consider talking to senior political editors to resolve issues. Noted that past practices, such as under Alastair Campbell's tenure, have been more severe than current actions.

Critiqued the Minister for her response, describing it as 'woeful' and comparing it to former Prime Minister's tactics. Highlighted concerns about press freedom being undermined.

Agreed with the Father of the House that there should be better arrangements for lobby briefings but suggested that some outrage is fake and excessive.

Quoted the global pledge on media freedom signed by a previous Foreign Secretary, accusing the Minister of hypocrisy in defending press freedom while excluding journalists from briefings.

Asked the Minister to confirm that the Government would ensure briefings are done sensibly and without political interference in media.

Stressed the importance of a free press and provided assurance that the government is committed to freedom of access for briefings. She also mentioned additional specialist briefings beyond regular lobby sessions as normal practice.

Praised journalists' solidarity during a walk-out and questioned whether the Prime Minister was mimicking President Trump’s tactics to stifle press freedom.

Asked about Labour's stance on press freedom, referencing bodyguards for BBC political editors attending the Labour party conference.

Questioned whether excluding Scottish media outlets from a briefing was an oversight or deliberate. Criticised the minister’s response as Orwellian double-speak.

Asserted that the Conservative party stands up for a healthy, vibrant, and independent press in contrast to Labour's stance on BBC journalists’ reports of antisemitism.

Expressed confusion about Minister's statement regarding lobby journalists walking out in solidarity and questioned the government’s commitment to transparency.

Defended providing specialist briefings as standard practice, referencing a previous briefing on Brexit deal passage through Parliament.

Quoted the Prime Minister's earlier statements about freedom of expression and questioned the consistency with current practices.

Asked about Treasury’s efforts to support media across the country, specifically mentioning business rates relief for local newspaper offices as an impact on regional newspapers.

Argued that every political generation tries to avoid scrutiny when in power and questioned the government's commitment to transparency, suggesting it is avoiding scrutiny.

Asked about steps taken to improve local newspapers' ability to hold politicians accountable outside of Westminster.

The Government is acting within standard procedures, offering additional briefings to ensure journalists can ask any question they wish. The situation has been misrepresented.

Asks the Minister to apologise for recent actions, suggesting it was either a deliberate decision or an almighty mistake that undermines press freedom.

The Government's stance is concerning and potentially a threat to press freedom. Asks if the Minister can clarify what action senior colleagues would have taken in this situation.

Questions whether Sir Mark Sedwill will investigate the breach of protocol regarding access to a briefing by David Frost, suggesting it is inappropriate for political appointees to dictate press access.

Asks if Scottish journalists were deliberately excluded from the briefing and questions whether this reflects a lack of value placed on regional media in Scotland.

Suggests that social media engagement is not an adequate substitute for proper press scrutiny, questioning why the Prime Minister avoids real media questions.

Questions whether civil service codes were adhered to in light of recent events and suggests that the Minister's defence is concerning.

Asks how special advisers can be assured from giving inappropriate directions to civil servants, questioning whether a robust culture exists for resisting such instructions.

Critiques the Government's approach as not conducive to press freedom, highlighting past actions that have restricted media coverage and criticises the recent exclusions from briefings.

Raises concerns about Scottish journalists being excluded from briefings on Brexit implications for Aberdeen, questioning whether this reflects contempt towards Scotland's press corps.