Question

To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker what assessment he has made of the disruption caused by the media’s use of College Green; and what consideration, if any, is being given to the establishment of a permanent media centre elsewhere on the Parliamentary Estate.

Abingdon Green is owned by the House of Commons but day to day access is delegated by the Clerk of the House to Black Rod. Current policy is to allow public access to the Green to enable them to pass through on the paths or to use it as a recreational space. Because of the unique views that the Green affords to Parliament, we also allow the media to use the Green for the contemporaneous news reporting of events within Parliament on the basis that this is an important way of communicating to the public the political issues that are taking place. We do not permit protests or campaigning on the Green.

There are occasions when events in Parliament create exceptional media activity and demand for broadcasting space on the Green. When this occurs, we conduct a careful assessment on whether to prioritise broadcasting over public access and where the balance of public interest lies. Although we prefer to maintain dual use of the Green by public and media, on some occasions we assess that reporting from the Green must be prioritised and that it is necessary to close it to the public for safety reasons. Not to do so would limit the ability of a wide section of the broadcast media, both national, international and radio to provide high quality coverage of unfolding events in Parliament and interview the politicians involved in a secure manner.

Regarding a permanent media centre, no consideration is currently being given to this. Most media (including broadcast) arrangements are covered through the existing press lobby arrangements. Under this, nominated members of the media are accredited with membership of the Press Gallery and allocated desk space within the House of Commons and given press passes which allow access to the building. This is a long standing arrangement administered by the House of Commons with well understood rules which enables open media access to Parliament to be maintained within manageable levels.

Additionally, as well as Abingdon Green, there are broadcast points within both Houses which are used by UK domestic broadcasters for the reporting of Parliamentary business.