Written Question·Attorney General·UIN 106496

Trials: Social Media

Tabled: 19 January 2026
Answered: 27 January 2026

Question

Mark Pritchard

ConservativeThe Wrekin

To ask the Solicitor General, what steps she is taking to support the prosecution of (a) individuals who post comments online about defendants prior to trial which could prejudice legal proceedings, and (b) the tech platforms on which those comments are p

Answer

Ellie Reeves
The Contempt of Court Act 1981 is clear that publishing information that creates a substantial risk of serious prejudice or impediment to any active proceedings can be contempt of court. These rules and restrictions are in place to ensure that trials are ...

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