Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Campbell of Alloway (Conservative). It was answered on Thursday, 15 October 2009.

Parliament: Reporting of Proceedings

Question: Is there not an absolute privilege for the press to report proceedings in Parliament, so long as they do not comment on them?

Answer: There is absolute privilege; I am hardly surprised that the noble Lord is correct about that. Proceedings in Parliament are subject to the absolute privilege accorded by Article IX of the Bill of Rights. That article provides that proceedings in Parliament ought not to be impeached or questioned in any court. As I understand it, that means that we in this House and those in another place receive absolute protection from court proceedings for things done while engaged in parliamentary duties. There is of course the principle of qualified privilege as well, which means that in the reporting of proceedings material can be produced provided that it is fairly reported. In particular, reports that were motivated by malice would not be protected by the privilege.

Secondary information