A TRANSPARENCY row has broken out at Holyrood after it was announced journalists will be restricted to a “media pen” to ask questions after FMQs.
The media frequently question MSPs from all parties as they exit the chamber at the Scottish Parliament.
Notably, the First Minister is often scrutinised on the issue of the day after First Minister’s Questions on Tuesday and Thursday.
But now, Holyrood bosses have said journalists will be restricted “following feedback from a range of building users and discussion with all parties”.
It is understood the move comes after concerns over journalists allegedly blocking the area, with The Scotsman reporting that Reform UK may have raised concerns about doorstepping during a meeting of the parliamentary bureau.
The Scottish Parliamentary Journalists’ Association (SPJA) – which was not consulted – have since expressed “serious concern” at the inability to scrutinise elected representatives in a letter to the Parliament’s chief executive David McGill and Presiding Officer Kenny Gibson.
The letter states: “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.
“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.”
It also brought up the issues a pen may cause – including broadcast journalists being at the front, pushing print journalists to the back, female journalists in particular.
Reporters attempted to question Presiding Officer Kenneth Gibson about it from the pen, but he refused to stop.
Approaching journalists after FMQs on Thursday, Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay removed one of the cords to break the barrier.
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said: “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, the Scottish Lib Dem leader, described the pen as “absolutely disgraceful” and “ridiculous”.
He said: “We’re not in an ivory tower here. You should be able to go wherever you want.
“It won’t withstand first contact with reality and I look forward to you being able to chase us around wherever you are.”
Asked from the pen if he supports the restrictions, Scottish Greens co-leader Ross Greer said: “Have a word with some of your colleagues about their behaviour.”
A Scottish Parliament spokesperson said: “The decision was taken following feedback from a range of building users and discussion with all parties at the parliamentary bureau.”
