Shut Out of the Debate: RSF Urges UK Parties to End Media Access Restrictions

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has strongly criticized political parties in the United Kingdom for increasingly restricting journalists’ access to their annual conferences. Citing multiple reports of denied accreditations and opaque press entry procedures, RSF warned that such practices are incompatible with democratic principles and threaten the integrity of political discourse in Britain.

The warning follows a series of incidents in which media professionals, including those from smaller outlets, freelancers, and international journalists, were either barred from attending or faced excessive hurdles to obtain access to key party gatherings. These restrictions have not been isolated to one political group; RSF highlighted a pattern across the political spectrum, reflecting a broader erosion of transparency in British political communications.

“Political conferences are a crucial opportunity for journalists to scrutinize party platforms, question leadership, and engage with the democratic process,” said RSF UK Bureau Director Fiona O’Brien. “Blocking press access not only undermines journalistic freedom but denies the public vital information about the policies and people who seek to govern them.”

RSF is calling for all UK political parties to adopt clear, inclusive accreditation policies that ensure equal access for all legitimate journalists, regardless of media size or affiliation. The organization emphasized that press access should not be treated as a privilege granted to a select few but as a fundamental democratic right that supports pluralism and informed citizenship.

The statement also warned of the reputational risk for the UK, which has historically positioned itself as a global advocate for press freedom. Continued access restrictions could damage the country’s standing and set a dangerous precedent for other democracies.

As the UK approaches its next general election cycle, the ability of journalists to report freely and fairly from party conferences is more critical than ever. RSF’s call is a reminder that democracy depends not only on the ballot box but on an informed public—and that requires a press free to attend, observe, and question those in power without obstruction.