Newspaper bosses slam Downing Street for trying to seize control of crucial Press briefings

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NEWSPAPER bosses have hit out at Downing Street for trying to seize control of crucial Press briefings.

The system, known as Lobby briefings, allows accredited reporters to quiz the PMs spokesman in Parliament daily on any pressing issues.

The changes would move the briefing to No9 Downing Street

But the PMs team have announced changes which will see the briefings moved to No9 Downing Street giving the Government control of who is let into them.

Critics have warned the move could damage Press freedom and particularly harm smaller, regional newspapers that do not have an army of political reporters.

Society of Editors executive director Ian Murray slammed No10 for pushing through the changes without any consultation.

He said We understand there are real concerns over access to the new lobby venue at 9 Downing Street, restrictions on use of mobile phones, and indeed whether this could lead to restrictions on who will be allowed to attend these vital meetings.

The government underscored its commitment to freedom of expression in the recent Queens Speech and we would take this to mean a commitment to open government.

There is still time for Number 10 to consult further with the lobby correspondents committee and its members to ensure a sensible new system can be put in place.