Journalists to be shielded from wrongful arrest under plan to protect the press launched by the Culture Secretary
- Move comes after controversial recent arrests of reporters covering protests
Police will be trained to protect journalists going about their work as part of an action plan to be launched by Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer today.
The move comes after controversial recent arrests of reporters covering protests.
A taskforce will be created to share information on protecting editorial staff, while an online tool will provide a portal to report any abuse or safety issues.
Police staff will also be offered training on public order laws to help them understand how journalists can report on protests.
Last November, LBC journalist Charlotte Lynch was wrongfully arrested as she tried to report on a Just Stop Oil protest in Hertfordshire.
Police will be trained to protect journalists going about their work as part of an action plan to be launched by Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer (pictured) today
Last November, LBC journalist Charlotte Lynch (pictured while on royal reporting duty) was wrongfully arrested as she tried to report on a Just Stop Oil protest in Hertfordshire
READ MORE: Hertfordshire Police in humiliating climbdown after officers sparked outrage by arresting LBC reporter and holding her in custody for FIVE HOURS for covering Just Stop Oil protest
Documentary maker Rich Felgate and photographer Tom Bowles were also detained at the scene.
Ms Frazer said: ‘At a time when reporters are losing their lives while showing the world what is happening in the Middle East and Ukraine, and where misinformation about the conflicts is rife on social media, the importance of rigorous, fact-checked journalism has never been more apparent.
‘No journalist should be prevented from doing their job due to fear of violence, abuse or harassment.
‘Our revamped national action plan will strengthen efforts to protect journalists working in the UK from harm, enhancing their freedom to hold the powerful to account without fear of abuse.’
Dawn Alford, executive director of the Society of Editors, said: ‘At a time when accurate and verifiable news and information remains critical to the public’s understanding of world affairs, it is devastating that abuse and harassment of journalists remains so commonplace.’
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