The chief constable of Hertfordshire constabulary has ordered an investigation into the arrests of journalists covering climate protests, following backlash from Downing Street and ministers over concerns that press freedom was being threatened.
Charlie Hall said he was requesting an independent force to examine the approach taken by his officers after three journalists were arrested in two days while reporting on Just Stop Oil demonstrations on the M25. The force said additional measures were now in place to ensure that legitimate media could do their job.
The controversy intensified after LBC reporter Charlotte Lynch was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit a public nuisance on Tuesday despite being in a public area some distance from protesters and showing valid press ID. An internal review later found that the arrest had been unnecessary.
Downing Street said Prime Minister Rishi Sunak believed journalists must be able to work freely, while Education Secretary Gillian Keegan told LBC that the arrest was wrong. Local MP Daisy Cooper wrote to the force criticising the 'unnecessary and heavy-handed' actions, which she said disregarded press freedom.
The National Union of Journalists, Liberty and Justice also criticised the arrests. The force acknowledged that officers had been instructed to act quickly to clear protesters due to significant disruption, but said Hall recognised concerns over the arrests and was implementing measures to protect press freedom.
