Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Breaking News: Diana Inquest Debate To Go Ahead
The Attorney General has decided not to step in to stop a BBC dicussion on whether the Diana inquest is a waste of time.
Coroner Lord Justice Scott Baker referred the planned Newsnight debate to Baroness Scotland after lawyers in the case warned it could prejudice proceedings.
The matter was first raised in court by Mohamed al Fayed's barrister Michael Mansfield QC, who was invited on the debate, to be chaired by Jeremy Paxman.
He told the coroner that the programme could risk prejudicing the inquest.
The coroner immediately instructed his staff to contact the BBC, urging it to "tread carefully".
The matter was then passed to the Attorney General, who said no action would be taken.
"Concerns were expressed to us about this evening's programme," said a spokesman for Baroness Scotland's office.
"We have communicated those concerns to the BBC and are satisfied they are in a position to comply with their legal responsibilities."
The BBC vowed to go ahead with the discussion.
A spokeswoman for the corporation said: "As with all our programmes, the production team will ensure that the debate stays within legal boundaries."
Coroner Lord Justice Scott Baker referred the planned Newsnight debate to Baroness Scotland after lawyers in the case warned it could prejudice proceedings.The matter was first raised in court by Mohamed al Fayed's barrister Michael Mansfield QC, who was invited on the debate, to be chaired by Jeremy Paxman.
He told the coroner that the programme could risk prejudicing the inquest.
The coroner immediately instructed his staff to contact the BBC, urging it to "tread carefully".
The matter was then passed to the Attorney General, who said no action would be taken.
"Concerns were expressed to us about this evening's programme," said a spokesman for Baroness Scotland's office.
"We have communicated those concerns to the BBC and are satisfied they are in a position to comply with their legal responsibilities."
The BBC vowed to go ahead with the discussion.
A spokeswoman for the corporation said: "As with all our programmes, the production team will ensure that the debate stays within legal boundaries."
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