'Secrets of family court must be revealed'

BRITAIN'S top family judge today called on ministers to open up care hearings to the media in an attempt to improve transparency in the legal process.

Sir Mark Potter, Family Division president, said he backed coverage of all cases involving the removal of children from their home, bar those involving adoption, because it would help to dispel "myths and inaccuracies".

His comments come as Justice Secretary Jack Straw prepares to publish government plans to improve access to the courts, which have been long shrouded in secrecy. It is thought he will respond to the "secret justice" concerns of some families whose children have been taken away.

Sir Mark told The Times that "when people see these cases in action ... it can do nothing but good for the system".