NUJ responds to reports of Reform UK banning journalists from party conference
The NUJ has responded to reports that Reform UK has refused three journalists entry to its party conference.
Laura Davison, NUJ general secretary, said:
"Reports that Reform UK has chosen to ban journalists who have scrutinised the party from attending its conference are frustrating and concerning. A functioning democracy depends on a free press that can ask political parties difficult questions and hold those seeking power to account.
"This comes amid a wider pattern of intimidation and obstruction of journalists. Two months ago Reform Wales posted a photo, taken without permission, mocking columnist Will Hayward while he was working in the Senedd. In May, Reform UK's leader Nigel Farage posted a journalist's NUJ Press Card on social media, exposing them to potential risk in the course of their legitimate work. This also comes one year after the Conservatives and Labour respectively blocked and removed journalists from their party conferences.
"We urge the government and all political parties to demonstrate their commitment to media freedom and uphold the public's right to be informed. Reform UK should rethink its position and allow journalists full access to the conference."