The Speaker has requested that the Procedure Committee conduct a review of the operation of the sub judice resolution in the House of Commons. The resolution is intended to preserve ‘comity’ between the courts and the House, to avoid Parliament influencing, or appearing to attempt to influence, the outcome of court proceedings, and to avoid Parliament acting as an alternative forum for resolution of matters that are before the courts.
Parliament is an important forum for discussion of matters of public interest and national importance, and MPs should have the ability to raise, discuss and resolve such matters swiftly and effectively when they emerge. The courts, meanwhile, should also be reassured that their important work is able to proceed effectively to ensure the fair and swift administration of justice.
This inquiry will look at whether the current resolution, agreed by the House of Commons in 2001, continues to strike the appropriate balance.