The Society of Editors has welcomed new rules which have come into effect this week strengthening media access in criminal courts.

From Monday 6 October 2025, changes to the Criminal Procedure Rules now state explicitly that parties who apply for discretionary reporting restrictions in criminal cases should notify the media of applications. This formal recognition of the media as interested parties aims to improve transparency and prevent unjustified limits on Crown and magistrates’ Court reporting.

Responding to the changes Dawn Alford, Chief Executive of the Society of Editors said: “The Society welcomes the updating of Criminal Procedure Rules which now ensure that journalists are given clear and timely opportunity to respond to applications for reporting restrictions. Such changes improve transparency in the justice system and enable journalists to fulfil their vital role reporting on behalf of the public.”

The changes follow collaborative work between the Criminal Procedure Rule Committee and media organisations including the Media Lawyers Association with support from HMCTS’ Media Working Group which the Society of Editors sits on.

The new rules can be found here.