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<p>Abingdon Green is owned by the House of Commons but day to day access is delegated
by the Clerk of the House to Black Rod. Current policy is to allow public access to
the Green to enable them to pass through on the paths or to use it as a recreational
space. Because of the unique views that the Green affords to Parliament, we also allow
the media to use the Green for the contemporaneous news reporting of events within
Parliament on the basis that this is an important way of communicating to the public
the political issues that are taking place. We do not permit protests or campaigning
on the Green.</p><p>There are occasions when events in Parliament create exceptional
media activity and demand for broadcasting space on the Green. When this occurs, we
conduct a careful assessment on whether to prioritise broadcasting over public access
and where the balance of public interest lies. Although we prefer to maintain dual
use of the Green by public and media, on some occasions we assess that reporting from
the Green must be prioritised and that it is necessary to close it to the public for
safety reasons. Not to do so would limit the ability of a wide section of the broadcast
media, both national, international and radio to provide high quality coverage of
unfolding events in Parliament and interview the politicians involved in a secure
manner.</p><p>Regarding a permanent media centre, no consideration is currently being
given to this. Most media (including broadcast) arrangements are covered through the
existing press lobby arrangements. Under this, nominated members of the media are
accredited with membership of the Press Gallery and allocated desk space within the
House of Commons and given press passes which allow access to the building. This is
a long standing arrangement administered by the House of Commons with well understood
rules which enables open media access to Parliament to be maintained within manageable
levels.</p><p>Additionally, as well as Abingdon Green, there are broadcast points
within both Houses which are used by UK domestic broadcasters for the reporting of
Parliamentary business.</p><p><strong> </strong></p>
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