Guidance for the Media using Parliament Buildings during the period preceding the (Westminster) General Election 2024
Background
During the period leading up to a General Election, there are different rules for media working in Parliament Buildings.
The rationale behind this guidance is to ensure that current Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) who may be standing for election as Members of Parliament (MPs) do not gain advantage, by way of a media interview at Parliament Buildings, over other candidates standing for election.
Access to Parliament Buildings and media facilities
Media pass-holders can use their current Assembly passes to access the building and its facilities/studios as normal. Day pass holders can also still access Parliament Buildings and the media facilities.
Media interviews/filming during the period preceding the General Election 2024
The media may still attend and report on events taking place in Parliament Buildings, including events attended by current MLAs who may also be standing for election as MPs. However, the media should note the following:
- No film footage may be recorded in Parliament Buildings or its precincts (the area within the external railings that surround Parliament Buildings) in relation to election campaigning by Parties, Members, their staff or guests.
- No film footage taken from either the Assembly Chamber or Committee meetings may be used in relation to election campaigning by Parties, Members, their staff or guests.
- No press conferences are to be held in Parliament Buildings relating to the election campaign by Parties, Members, their staff or guests.
Interviews Outside Parliament Buildings
Interviews may be undertaken outside the external railings that surround Parliament Buildings and in the wider Stormont Estate with the agreement of the Department of Finance, which manages the Estate. Please contact the Estate Management Team directly on 028 90378103 or via e-mail at stormontemu@finance-ni.gov.uk
Pieces to Camera (i.e. not Interviews)
Media personnel cannot record election-related pieces to camera in public areas in Parliament Buildings, i.e. Great Hall, Senate Chamber, Rotundas and first floor Gallery. However, these can be recorded outside the external railings that surround Parliament Buildings and in the wider Estate (subject to approval from DoF).
If you have any questions about this guidance, please contact:
The Communications Office
Northern Ireland Assembly
Email: info@niassembly.gov.uk
