Newspaper coverage

1803
Newspaper reporters are allocated seats in the public gallery for the first time.

1828
Floor space set aside for reporters in the House of Lords.

1831
Gallery added to the Lords and reporters allowed to take over the front row.

1847
New Lords Chamber opens with a special gallery for reporters.

1852
New Commons Chamber opens with gallery for reporters.

1868
Wason v. Walter hearing establishes that publication of parliamentary debates is covered by qualified privilege.

1881
A Parliamentary Press Gallery committee is formed.

1950
Another new Commons Chamber opens with improved facilities for journalists.

1967
A select committee on parliamentary privilege declares that coverage of debates should no longer be considered in contempt of Parliament.

1975
The Commons debates the suspension of two reporters for writing a story based on a leaked draft report.

1986
After another vote on punishing journalists the Commons never makes another attempt.

1990
Several newspapers stop devoting a full page to Commons and Lords debates.

2001
MPs vote to sit in private to protest about the time set aside for a debate on the anti-terrorism Bill.