JOURNALISTS IN AFGHANISTAN

Early day motion 1075, tabled 11 March 2010 by Willie Rennie (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 21 members.

That this House condemns the decision by the Government to prevent British broadcasters and national newspapers from embedding reporters with military units in Afghanistan once the general election has been called; expresses dismay that the decision will effectively prevent journalists from reporting from the front line; notes with concern that Ministry of Defence websites will be prevented from publishing any non-factual material, including troops' opinions of the war or their success against the Taliban; further notes with concern that senior officers will also be forbidden from giving speeches or interviews; and calls on the Government to reverse its decision to limit journalistic access to the war in Afghanistan and allow for full and free reporting of the conflict.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 14, Labour 3, Conservative 1, Independent 1, Plaid Cymru 1, Scottish National Party 1.