National Safety Mechanisms - United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
National Safety Context
According to the Observatory of Killed Journalists there have been 2 recorded killings in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland since 1993. None of these crimes have been judicially resolved according to the latest Director-General's Report on the Safety of Journalists and the Danger of Impunity. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland has responded 4 times to all of the Director-General's requests for information on the judicial status of the cases of these killed journalists since 2020.
There are 2 national safety mechanisms being implemented in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to prevent, protect and prosecute crimes committed against journalists. There is also 1 ongoing national action plan with a specific component on improving the safety of journalists. More information on these initiatives is summarised below including relevant links.
National Committee for the Safety of Journalists
The National Committee for the Safety of Journalists has been active since 2020.
What activities are carried out?
The Committee assesses how the UK protects journalists safety and monitors the implementation of the National Action Plan.
Biannual meetings are organized through the Committee between representatives from several civil society organisations, government agencies, media companies, journalist and broadcasting unions, and intergovernmental organisations.
How is it implemented? / Who are the stakeholders?
The Committee operates at the federal level, coordinating work across key stakeholders. The stakeholders are divided into Members and Observers.
The Members include the Police Scotland, Police Service Northern Ireland, National Police Chiefs Council, Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, Crown Prosecution Service, Public Prosecution Service of Northern Ireland, Minister for Media, Data and Digital Infrastructure, the Minister for Victims and Safeguarding BBC, Society of Editors, the News Media Association, the Index on Censorship, Reporters without Borders, and the National Union of Journalists.
The Observers include the International News Safety Institute, the Foreign Press Association, Committee to Protect Journalists, Justice for Journalists, International Federation of Journalists, BBC World Service and UNESCO.
National Action Plan for the Safety of Journalists
The National Action Plan for the Safety of Journalists has been active since 2021.
What activities are carried out?
The Plan sets out five objectives: to increase our understanding of the problem; enhance the criminal justice system response in tackling crimes against journalists; support journalists and their employers to build the resources they need to protect personal safety; help online platforms to tackle the wider issue of abuse online; and improve public recognition of the value of journalists. The Plan includes commitments from several organisations.
How is it implemented?
The Plan is implemented through the work of police, employers, media organisations, and government agencies.
Who are the stakeholders?
The Plan is a nationwide initiative, bringing together the government through its Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, the National Union of Journalists, civil society organisations and media companies.
Journalist Safety Group
The Journalist Safety Group has been active since 2021.
What activities are carried out?
The Safety Group provides an open line available at all times for journalists to receive advice.
The Safety Group has a quick response system for registering crimes in case of emergency, with a Journalist Safety Officer appointed as the point of contact. As a prosecution measure, a Senior Investigating Officer is appointed to investigate crimes committed against journalists.
How is it implemented?
The Safety Group is an outcome of the National Action Plan, active at the regional level in Northern Ireland. The Group constitutes a security specialist, a crime prevention officer, detectives specializing in intelligence and investigation, and a Journalist Safety Officer. The Group meets at least quarterly but can also react on short notice and assemble on an ad hoc basis.
Who are the stakeholders?
The mechanism is borne out of the National Action Plan bringing together the national Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, the National Union of Journalists, civil society organisations and media companies. The Police Service of Northern Ireland implement the measures for the mechanism.
For more information on the national safety mechanisms and action plan in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and those in other countries please follow the links.
