TV cameras go into courts

The public will today be asked whether television cameras should be permanently allowed into English and Welsh courts for the first time.

The Lord Chancellor, Lord Falconer of Thoroton, will issue a consultation paper hours before a pilot scheme begins in the Court of Appeal.

Lord Falconer has indicated he is opposed to filming of criminal cases as it could make victims and witnesses unwilling to report crimes or testify.

He revealed plans in August for a limited TV pilot at some criminal and civil appeals. Cameras will be allowed to film a small number of hearings at the Court of Appeal, at the Royal Courts of Justice in the Strand from tomorrow.

Footage from the pilot will be used only for evaluation and will not be broadcast.