Committees

Sub judice resolution in the House of Commons

Inquiry

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.

This inquiry is currently accepting evidence

The committee wants to hear your views. We welcome submissions from anyone with answers to the questions in the call for evidence. You can submit evidence until Thursday 31 July 2025.

Read the call for evidence before submitting

Reports, special reports and government responses

No reports or special reports published.

Oral evidence transcripts

No oral evidence transcripts published.

Written evidence

No written evidence published.

Other publications

No other publications published.

Contact us

  • Email: proccom@parliament.uk
  • Phone: 020 7219 3351 (General enquiries) / 0207 219 0969 / CommonsPressOffice@parliament.uk (Media enquiries) / 18001 020 7219 3351 (text relay)
  • Address: Procedure Committee, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA