Lord Phillips gives 'green light' to tweeting

Lord Phillips has given a 'green light' to tweeting and texting from the Supreme Court '“ by lawyers, the press and the public.

'We are fortunate that, by the time a case reaches the Supreme Court there is very seldom any reason for any degree of confidentiality, so that questions about what should and should not be shared with those outside the courtroom do not usually arise,' Lord Phillips said.

He said regular live updates could increase public interest in a case and keep those who were interested better informed.

The court issued guidance on the issue last week, stating that any lawyer or non-lawyer was free to use 'text-based communications', provided they were silent and there was no disruption to proceedings.

The only exception will be where reporting restrictions are in place or need to be imposed to protect hearings in the lower courts.