Attorney General to rule on Child Z

In a case with crucial implications for the freedom of the press, the Attorney General has been asked to consider whether newspapers are allowed to report a Commons Early Day Motion if it breaches a High Court injunction.

A blanket injunction was granted in March 1993 restraining the media from identifying or seeking information relating to a child, who can only be referred to as Z. Last year, however, the child's mother sought leave to allow her to publicise the treatment that her child is receiving at a specialised institution, and the Court of Appeal ruled that it was not in the child's interests for a film to be broadcast identifying her.

Ten days ago an MP put down an Early Day Motion which named the daughter. Several newspapers reported it and the Attorney General has been asked to consider whether they are in contempt of court.