Transparency row as Holyrood 'corrals' journalists in media pen

Holyrood bosses said the decision was taken “following feedback from a range of building users and discussion with all parties”.

However, concerns have been raised that the move will inhibit scrutiny of politicians and SNP ministers.

The Scottish Parliamentary Journalists' Association (SPJA), which represents reporters covering Holyrood, was not consulted.

It has now written to parliament bosses calling for the decision to be “reviewed as a matter of urgency”.

“This change represents a significant departure from established parliamentary practice and risks undermining the ability of accredited journalists to scrutinise elected representatives on behalf of the public,” it said.

Members of the media were supposed to be confined to a pen directly outside the Holyrood chamber after First Minister’s Questions on Thursday, although several did not enter it and it was quickly dismantled by Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay, a former journalist, who joked he would “free the hacks”.

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The move followed concerns around journalists “doorstepping” politicians and allegedly blocking the area.

Scottish Conservative MSP Craig Hoy called the pen “a shocking development”.

He said: “Journalists should not be prevented from questioning politicians, whatever party they are from, and holding them to account.”

Mr Hoy added: “This clear attempt to curb the press will also only help John Swinney and the SNP who have a dire track record on transparency and are currently desperate to avoid question on their sleaze and scandal engulfing them.”

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar also condemned it, adding: “I think the freedom of the press for you guys to come and ask us difficult questions makes it uncomfortable for us sometimes, but that is a fundamental part of our democracy.”

Addressing journalists, he said: “I’m sure none of you like being told what to do anyway, so I’m sure you’ll find a way round it.”

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said: “Corralling the media behind barriers is wrong.

"Journalists should be able to ask questions freely of elected members of parliament, especially after events like First Minister's Questions, which are likely to lead to breaking news lines. The Scottish Parliament should be a place of transparency and scrutiny.”

First Minister John Swinney said it was a “matter for the parliamentary corporate body”.

Kenneth Gibson, Holyrood’s Presiding Officer, refused to stop when asked about the issue.

The Scotsman has asked every party in Holyrood whether it agrees with the measure.

It is understood Reform UK raised concerns about doorstepping during a meeting of the parliamentary bureau.

A Scottish Parliament spokesperson said: “The decision was taken following feedback from a range of building users and discussion with all parties at the parliamentary bureau.”

A media pen was previously introduced at Holyrood but later scrapped following pushback from journalists.

In its letter, the SPJA pointed out that the stairs leading down from the debating chamber to the garden lobby are frequently blocked by MSPs and guests taking part in photocalls.

“Will visitor groups be prevented from gathering in these areas?” it asked. “If not, what is the distinction being drawn?”