Media Access Restricted at Holyrood Following FMQs
A controversy has emerged at Holyrood after the announcement that journalists will face restricted access to politicians following First Minister's Questions (FMQs).
On Thursday, the Scottish Parliament introduced a designated area for journalists ahead of the opposition party leaders' questions to John Swinney.
The parliamentary bureau stated that the decision to impose a designated media spot was made "following feedback from a range of building users and discussions with all parties."
However, this move has ignited a debate over transparency and has been criticised by several opposition parties.
When asked whether he agreed with the restrictions, John Swinney responded,
"It is a matter for the Scottish Parliament Corporate Body, not for me."
Reporters frequently conduct "doorstep" interviews with MSPs, including party leaders, just outside the chamber after FMQs.
Journalists sought to question Presiding Officer Kenneth Gibson regarding the decision to limit media access from the pen, but he declined to stop and respond.
Following FMQs, Scottish Conservatives leader Russell Findlay, a former journalist, removed one of the cords to breach the barrier when approaching the media.
Conservative MSP Craig Hoy described the media restrictions as "shocking" and characterised them as a "clear attempt to curb the press."
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar stated,
"The freedom of the press, for you guys to come and ask us difficult questions, it makes it uncomfortable for us sometimes, but that is a fundamental part of our democracy."
Alex Cole-Hamilton supported Sarwar and Findlay's views, calling the pen "absolutely disgraceful" and "ridiculous." He added,
"We're not in an ivory tower here. You should be able to go wherever you want."
When asked from within the pen if he supported the restrictions, Scottish Greens co-leader Ross Greer replied,
"Have a word with some of your colleagues about their behaviour."
Reform UK was contacted for comment.
Concerns Over Physical and Symbolic Barriers
The Scottish Parliamentary Journalists' Association (SPJA), which represents reporters at Holyrood, stated that it was not consulted about the change.
In a letter addressed to the presiding officer and the chief executive of the parliament, the SPJA urged for the decision to be "reviewed as a matter of urgency."
The letter noted,
"This change represents a significant departure from established parliamentary practice and risks undermining the ability of accredited journalists to scrutinise elected representatives on behalf of the public."
It continued,
"Since devolution, Holyrood has rightly taken pride in being a more open, accessible and transparent institution than Westminster.
The ability of journalists to approach ministers, opposition leaders and backbench MSPs in the public areas of Parliament following debates and major announcements has been a central feature of that culture."
The letter further stated,
"The imposition of a designated area from which journalists must operate fundamentally alters that relationship.
It creates a physical and symbolic barrier between elected representatives and those tasked with holding them to account."
Journalists at Holyrood have traditionally enjoyed significantly more freedom than their Westminster counterparts regarding access to politicians.
However, this freedom has been curtailed without consultation, causing dissatisfaction within the media.
"Doorstep" interviews allow reporters to pose questions to MSPs passing by, who may choose whether or not to engage.
Typically, after FMQs, the media congregate in the Members' Lobby, a space located between the debating chamber and the lift to the Ministerial tower. The First Minister must pass through this area to return to his office.
This setting provides an opportunity to hear directly from John Swinney on breaking or developing stories.
Usually, there are no issues. However, last week, different groups of journalists attempted to question various MSPs simultaneously about different topics, resulting in congestion in the parliamentary corridors.
This situation appears to have prompted complaints, culminating in the parliament's press pack being confined to a designated pen.
