Give specialist journalists more access to Parliament, says Hansard Society - July 16, 2009
Lords Information Committee Report ‘far-reaching' and ‘comprehensive'
The Hansard Society, the UK's leading non-partisan political research and education charity, welcomes the House of Lords Information Committee report Are the Lords listening? Creating connections between people and Parliament, published this week but calls for greater access for specialist journalists.
Fiona Booth, Chief Executive of the Hansard Society, commented:
‘The Lords Information Committee Report is far-reaching and comprehensive and we wholeheartedly endorse its many excellent recommendations. But, in addition, we are calling for the Lords to adopt a media strategy that would play to its strengths - the experience, skills and knowledge of the peers and the detailed scrutiny of policy and legislation that is undertaken. Most press gallery journalists are general political correspondents and attendance by journalists at House of Lords debates and committees is often sparse. We would urge that greater access should be provided for specialist journalists to attend debates, committees and briefings relevant to their specialty. Improved coverage of the Lords would help enormously in connecting Parliament with the people.'
For further information contact Virginia Gibbons, Head of Communications at the Hansard Society on 020 7438 1225 or 07812 765 552
Editors' Notes