Accountability of the Judicial Appointments Commission and protection of press freedom
Tabled 1 July 2026 by John McDonnell
That this House is deeply concerned that the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) sought to recover more than £14,000 in legal costs from journalist Barnie Choudhury after he challenged its refusal to disclose information under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act; agrees with the National Union of Journalists that the legally enforced recovery of FOI costs would add to the weaponry of those who use Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation to undermine media freedom; notes that the JAC has spent at least £164,000 of public funds resisting FOI requests brought by Mr Choudhury and another requester; believes this level of expenditure is wholly disproportionate; calls on the Lord Chancellor to initiate an urgent, independent review into the JAC's approach in the wake of the case; and urges the Government to reaffirm its commitment to protecting press freedom by ensuring that no public body may use financial pressure or litigation to deter journalists from pursuing matters of legitimate public interest.