Anonymity of Suspects Bill

A Bill to create an offence of disclosing the identity of a person who is the subject of an investigation in respect of the alleged commission of an offence; and for connected purposes.

Originating House

House of Commons

Sponsor

Sir Christopher ChopeConservative

Parliament last updated

26 February 2026

In Plain English

AI-generated

May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.

This bill would make it illegal to reveal the identity of someone who is the subject of an official investigation into an alleged offence. It is aimed at protecting the anonymity of people being investigated by criminalising disclosures of their identity. The bill is currently at its second reading in the House of Commons.

Key Points

- Creates an offence of disclosing the identity of a person who is the subject of an investigation into an alleged offence.
- Sets the scope of what counts as disclosing identity in connection with ongoing investigations.
- Aims to safeguard the anonymity of suspects during investigations.
- Originating in the House of Commons and sponsored by Sir Christopher Chope.
- Currently at the 2nd reading in the House of Commons (as of 2026-04-17).

Progress

The bill has completed its 1st reading and is now at the 2nd reading in the Commons, progressing through early stages of parliamentary consideration.

Who is affected?

People who are the subject of investigations (suspects or individuals under investigation)Investigating and prosecuting authorities (e.g., police, Crown Prosecution Service)Journalists and media organisations reporting on investigationsFriends and family of the person under investigationThe wider public who may encounter disclosed identities through media or social media

Generated 21 February 2026

Bill Stages

1st readingCommons

21 Oct 2024

2nd readingCommons

17 Apr 2026

Committee stageCommons

Report stageCommons

3rd readingCommons

1st readingLords

2nd readingLords

Committee stageLords

Report stageLords

3rd readingLords

Royal Assent

Updates & Documents

News (1)

Anonymity of Suspects Bill

25 Oct 2024

The next stage for this Bill, Second reading, is scheduled to take place on Friday 17 April 2026, although the House of Commons is not expected to be sitting on that date.

This is a Private Members' Bill and was presented to Parliament on Monday 21 October 2024.

Documents (1)

Bill 93 2024-25 (as introduced)

BillCommons

22 Jan 2025

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.