Media access to family courts: Day 1

I can't say I noticed a deluge of reporters in the Hertford FPC where I was yesterday but clearly the press were busy.

The Guardian comments here.

The Times goes to Barnet County Court, and links to further stories about Manchester, Ipswich, Cardiff, Bath & Central London.

The Telegraph bemoans the damp squib.

And more from the BBC , Independent , Daily Mail . So far silence from the Sun.

The Mail also reports on Jack Straw's fury at civil servants sabotaging open justice .

Jack Straw himself says that

"existing reporting restrictions for the newly attending media will of course still apply to protect children and families, but I want to ensure a change in the culture and practice of all courts towards greater openness, and this is an important step towards that goal."