Wrekin MP wants social media trial comments banned

A call for tougher laws to punish people who comment on active criminal cases has been made by Wrekin MP Mark Pritchard. The local MP has raised concerns about social media posts regarding defendants before they reach trial.

Mr Pritchard asked the Solicitor General, Ellie Reeves MP, what steps are being taken to prosecute individuals who post online comments that could prejudice legal proceedings. He also questioned if tech platforms should face sanctions for hosting the material.

The current law is not fit for purpose and social media comment can seriously undermine and prejudice legal proceedings, Mr Pritchard said.

Everyone has the right to a fair trial, without social media interference. Tech platforms, as well as individuals, should be sanctioned if they are proven to have prejudiced a trial. It is unfair on victims and defendants.

Responding to the question, the Solicitor General said the government recognises that social media is putting long-established rules under strain. This is particularly an issue when partial or inaccurate information appears online.

The government recently asked the Law Commission to speed up a review of contempt of court rules. A report was published in November 2025 which recommended a new framework for contempt liability.

Ministers are currently considering the recommendations to ensure trials remain fair.