The Royalist - Diana Inquest: Coroner Seeks Advice Over BBC Debate

Diana Inquest: Coroner Seeks Advice Over BBC Debate

Written by Joanne Leyland

Wednesday, 16 January 2008

The corner at the inquest into the deaths of Diana, Princess of Wales and Dodi Al Fayed has asked Britain’s Attorney General to rule on whether a BBC Newsnight debate about the viability of the inquest should be allowed to be broadcast at this time.

The matter was originally brought to the attention of the coroner by Mohamed Al Fayed's legal representative, Michael Mansfield.

Addressing Lord Justice Scott-Baker at the start of this afternoon's proceedings, Michael Mansfield QC told the coroner: "The BBC contacted my Chambers - I have not spoken with them direct - indicating that they wished me to participate tonight in a televised debate, live on Newsnight, essentially about the merits of an inquest and this inquest in particular."

Mr Mansfield continued following further explanation about the invitation: "At this juncture, I would ask sir that very strong representations are made to the BBC now in order to ask them to reconsider the wisdom of having such a programme tonight."

This led Lord Justice Scott-Baker to express his concern that the planned debate on BBC2's flagship current affairs programme may prejudice the ongoing inquest, which is only due to end in approximately April.

According to a spokeswoman for the coroner, the Attorney General, Baroness Scotland, is the only person who can make a decision as to whether the TV debate can go ahead before the jury gives its verdict.

In December, it was announced that, just three months into the case, the inquest had incurred costs of £1,308,291.26.

UPDATE: The Newsnight debate did go ahead, the Attorney General having ruled that she had no reason to act against the BBC.

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