§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs (Baroness Ashton of Upholland)My honourable friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State has made the following Written Ministerial Statement.
The Government's consultation paper on broadcasting courts is published today, and copies have been placed in the Library.
In the paper, the Government consider the question of broadcasting courts with an open mind. We are making no proposals to change the existing law—our purpose is to open the debate on this subject and to gauge stakeholder and public opinion prior to developing policy.
Although no proposals are being made, throughout the paper the Government maintain the position that nothing must be done that would harm the process of justice in any way. In particular, no changes will be made that might place added pressure on vulnerable participants in court proceedings, such as victims and witnesses.
In addition to the usual consultation with stakeholders, the Government wish to encourage responses to the paper from the general public. To this end, an electronic copy of the consultation paper will be available on the DCA website, alongside an interactive copy of the questionnaire which can be completed online. There will also be a discussion forum, accessible via a link from the DCA website, on which interested parties will be able to share their views.