Speaker’s Rulings — Access to Chamber—Media Obstruction

Following my ruling this afternoon regarding the conduct of the media in this building while members are on their way to the Chamber, I have discussed the matter with the chair and deputy chair of the press gallery. They acknowledged that there have been unfortunate incidents in recent days and have expressed a wish to work with me on a protocol that, while allowing the media access to members, does not impede members’ own access to the Chamber. I am prepared to work with the press gallery on this matter. Consequently, I am announcing that my ban on journalists approaching members after 1.45 p.m. tomorrow is suspended, to allow further consideration of the issue.

I nevertheless require that journalists act with consideration to everyone using the Parliament Buildings corridors, and, in particular, do not in any way impede the free access of members to the Chamber. In the latter regard, I wish to quote from Erskine May, 22nd edition, at page 121: “It is a contempt to molest a member … while attending the House or coming to or going from it …”. In our own Standing Orders—Standing Order 395(k)—it is specifically made a contempt to obstruct or molest a member. It is therefore necessary for me to re-emphasise the seriousness of obstructing a member in those circumstances.

I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. Thank you for that ruling. Two things come from it. Firstly, I wonder whether you would circulate that ruling to members. I am sure you will.

💬 Mr SPEAKER: I will make sure that it is in every member’s box by 8 o’clock.

Thank you. The second point, given that you are now considering the matter further, is that I wonder whether you would be prepared to accept any written comments from members on the issue. Some members may wish to make a submission to you.

💬 Mr SPEAKER: Yes, I will; I think that point is a very fair one. I will make sure that every member of Parliament is written to tomorrow, and that we invite members to make comments over the adjournment, so we can sort the matter out.

I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I note that in your earlier comments to the House you mentioned two times: 1.45 and 7.15.

💬 Mr SPEAKER: It is both times.

In your comments just now, you did not mention the 7.15 time. I am just interested to know whether we are talking about both times.

💬 Mr SPEAKER: There is no evening session tomorrow.

No, but we are referring to this issue in the future, are we not?

💬 Mr SPEAKER: Yes, we are, and I will actually rule on it the day we resume.

Yes, but what I am interested in is that you are actually covering both times.

💬 Mr SPEAKER: We only suspended journalists approaching members for tomorrow originally, but I will make that clear in the ruling when I eventually give it.