Family court hearings in county courts and the High Court will be opened to the media from Monday 27 April, subject to parliamentary approval, justice secretary Jack Straw announced today.

Media representatives who wish to attend family courts will need to be holders of the UK press card – which Straw said is open to those working wholly or mainly in the media, but not to bloggers, those who write an occasional newsletter or to foreign media not working in the UK.

Accredited media will be able to attend all levels of family courts, removing the inconsistency of access between the magistrates’ court and the county and high courts.

Courts will be able to restrict media attendance if the welfare of the child requires it, or for the safety and protection of parties or witnesses.

Straw said: ‘Public confidence in the justice system is a necessary and vital part of a democratic society. I want to ensure that reforms to the family courts system increase their accountability to the public.

‘People need to trust the justice system. One important way is by creating a more open, transparent and accountable system while protecting children and families during a difficult and traumatic time in their lives.’