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Lobby and Media Briefings: Journalists' Access
04 February 2020
Lead MP
Tracy Brabin
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Parliamentary ProcedureStandards & Ethics
Other Contributors: 27
At a Glance
Tracy Brabin raised concerns about lobby and media briefings: journalists' access in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Called for an urgent question regarding the barring of certain journalists from official civil servant media briefings, emphasising that such access is vital to a functioning democracy. Raised concerns about potential breaches of the code of conduct and questioned whether special advisers were in violation.
Chloe Smith
Con
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.
Peter Bottomley
Con
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.
Pete Wishart
SNP
Perth and Kinross-shire
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.
Damian Green
Con
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.
Jo Stevens
Lab
Cardiff East
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.
Bim Afolami
Con
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.
Tan Dhesi
Lab
Slough
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.
Jerome Mayhew
Con
Broadland and Fakenham
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.
James Wild
Con
North West Norfolk
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.
Dehenna Davison
Con
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.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda and Ogmore
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.
David Simmonds
Con
Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner
Asked about steps taken to improve local newspapers' ability to hold politicians accountable outside of Westminster.
Chloe Smith
Con
Constituency Unspecified
The Government is acting within standard procedures, offering additional briefings to ensure journalists can ask any question they wish. The situation has been misrepresented.
Meg Hillier
Lab Co-op
Hackney South and Shoreditch
Asks the Minister to apologise for recent actions, suggesting it was either a deliberate decision or an almighty mistake that undermines press freedom.
Daisy Cooper
Lib Dem
St Albans
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.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham and Chislehurst
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.
Alison Thewliss
SNP
Constituency Unspecified
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.
Warrington North
Suggests that social media engagement is not an adequate substitute for proper press scrutiny, questioning why the Prime Minister avoids real media questions.
Dave Doogan
SNP
Angus and Perthshire Glens
Questions whether civil service codes were adhered to in light of recent events and suggests that the Minister's defence is concerning.
Stephen Farry
Social Democratic & Labour Party
Constituency Unspecified
Asks how special advisers can be assured from giving inappropriate directions to civil servants, questioning whether a robust culture exists for resisting such instructions.
Peter Grant
Labour/Democrat
Constituency Unspecified
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.
Stephen Flynn
SNP
Aberdeen South
Raises concerns about Scottish journalists being excluded from briefings on Brexit implications for Aberdeen, questioning whether this reflects contempt towards Scotland's press corps.
Government Response
Stressed that additional technical briefings are standard practice and defended the Government's commitment to media freedom. Criticised Labour for past restrictions on press access. Emphasised the importance of a free press, provided assurance on media freedom and openness in briefings. Discussed additional specialist briefings as normal practice. Defends the Government’s actions as within standard procedures and offers additional briefings. Reiterates that all journalists with press passes are welcome to ask questions, regardless of their location in the UK.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About House of Commons Debates
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