Open petition: Require a prominence and relevance standard for nationality in crime reporting

Created by Mohammad Tariq Zamani
Closes on 21 March 2027

We call on the Government to require a clear standard requiring news organisations to avoid highlighting nationality, national origin or immigration status in crime reporting unless materially relevant to the offence or public interest. The same standard should apply equally to everyone.

Criminal responsibility is individual. When nationality, national origin or immigration status is irrelevant to an offence, highlighting it can unfairly associate one person’s crime with an entire community and contribute to stigma against law-abiding people. Section 9 of the Equality Act 2010 includes nationality and ethnic or national origins within race. We seek a fair and consistent standard, not censorship. Press freedom, expression and open justice must be protected. Where nationality or immigration status is materially relevant or justified in the public interest, it should remain reportable. If it is relevant, report it; if not, it should not define the crime. Hold individuals accountable, not entire communities.

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