Culture Secretary invites Newsquest to 10 Downing Street

Charles Thomson attended a reception on Monday (October 30) to mark Journalism Matters Week, where culture secretary Lucy Frazer announced plans to crack down on mistreatment of reporters, including by police.

Other guests included Newsquest’s chief executive Henry Faure Walker and BBC director general Tim Davie.

Charles was one of two journalists invited to Number 10 to “recognise their contribution to local journalism in the south east”.

In 2019, he won a Journalism Matters award for a years-long investigation into the alleged cover-up of a historic paedophile ring run by a police informant from Shoebury, Essex.

Charles received three commendations at last year’s Media Freedom Awards (MFAs) for winning a landmark legal victory,  becoming the first UK reporter ever to obtain deceased criminals’ police files under the Freedom of Information Act.

He is shortlisted in two categories at this year’s MFAs, to be held next week, for his investigation into the conviction of Jason Moore, charged with a 2005 murder after a single eyewitness identified him as the killer.

Charles tracked down that witness, who confessed he had been “drunk” at the time and did not know if he had identified the right person.

The revelation sparked a series of protests demanding Jason’s release.

The latest, led by the Bishop of Stepney, was held outside the gates of Downing Street on October 11.

Two weeks later, Charles received the invitation to go inside the gates.

Charles Thomson, pictured outside 10 Downing Street, welcomed plans to tackle abuse of journalists and said he hoped all members of the government would lead by example (Image: Andrew Gardner)

He was joined by Andrew Gardner, an apprentice reporter at Newsquest’s Brighton newspaper The Argus.

Andrew joined Newsquest last year having already had work regularly published in national newspapers after establishing himself as a freelance photographer at age 15.

In the course of his work, which includes covering political demonstrations, he has faced abuse and harassment, including being spat on and assaulted.

The reception at Number 10 heard details of a “national action plan” to protect journalists like Andrew, who are targeted for simply doing their jobs.

The scheme will create a working group where publishers and broadcasters can collaborate on safeguarding efforts, while a new online tool will enable reporters to log abuse they receive.

The plan also includes new training for police on journalists’ right to report on protests, after reporters were wrongly arrested at environmental demonstrations last year.

Sir John Whittingdale, minister for media, creative industries and tourism, said: “Local journalists are the watchdogs of our communities, who work tirelessly to shine a spotlight on issues that matter most to people, helping our local democracies to thrive.

“Journalism Matters Week is a time to show our appreciation for people like Charles and Andrew, who have made a real difference through their work to expose wrongdoing and hold the powerful to account.

“I’m thrilled they have made time to visit Number 10 and I want to give them my sincere thanks for the brilliant reporting they deliver, day in day out, for communities across the south east.”

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer marked Journalism Matters Week with a speech praising the work of reporters and outlining government plans to crack down on abuse of journalists (Image: DCMS)

“It was a privilege to be recognised in this way and to see inside Number 10. There was no sign of Rishi Sunak - but we did encounter Larry the cat,” said Charles.

“It is encouraging to see government ministers taking a stand against the abuse of journalists, particularly as such abuse sometimes emanates from politicians who respond to factual but unflattering stories by claiming reporters or the organisations they work for are biased or dishonest.

“Attacks by influential politicians create an atmosphere in which professional reporting is viewed with scepticism, anti-media sentiment proliferates, conspiracy theories flourish and brilliant young reporters like Andrew end up being attacked and spat on in the street.

“I hope all members of the government will deliver on Mrs Frazer’s vision and lead by example when it comes to treating journalists and their work with respect.”