Justice Minister: Media Played Vital Role Reporting On Riots

Justice Minister Heidi Alexander MP has written an article for the News Media Association’s Journalism Matters campaign in which she explains the critical role of the media in reporting on the riots and her commitment to the principle of open justice.  

The Justice Minister said: “The importance of factual and accurate reporting was brought into sharp focus following the Southport attacks in July and subsequent civil disorder, with misinformation and hate being spread online. At a time when the response of the criminal justice system was under enormous scrutiny, it was important for the public to see and hear about justice being done; that crime leads to punishment and that criminal activity has consequences.”

On the subject of SLAPPs, part of the Minister’s brief, she said: “As you’ve heard from others this week, this government understands the impact of SLAPPs and strategic ‘lawfare’ on the media, as well as victims, and is committed to considering the best options to tackle this abuse of our legal system.”

The Minister added: “I’m hugely grateful for the vital role the media played at the time, and indeed subsequently, in reporting on hearings and the sentences of people involved in the riots.

“I want to thank journalists and news organisations for their unfailing work. Following cases through the system, attending and observing hearings, requesting and verifying details – all before independently and accurately reporting, often to very tight deadlines – is no mean feat.”