A Bill to prohibit the publication of certain information regarding persons who have been arrested until they have been charged with an offence; to set out the circumstances where such information can be published without committing an offence; and for connected purposes
House of Lords
5 May 2021
The Anonymity (Arrested Persons) Bill would protect the privacy of people who have been arrested by making it illegal to publish certain information about them before they are charged. It also sets out when information can be published without breaking the law and explains the penalties for inappropriate publication.
The bill is currently at the second reading stage in the House of Lords and will proceed through the usual parliamentary stages if it advances.
Generated 21 February 2026
First reading took place on 21 January. This stage is a formality that signals the start of the Bill's journey through the Lords.
Second reading - the general debate on all aspects of the Bill - is yet to be scheduled.
The 2019-2021 session of Parliament has prorogued and this Bill will make no further progress.
No recorded votes for this bill yet.
