Law enforcement agencies in the UK are advocating for new powers to release additional information during ongoing criminal investigations as part of an effort to curb misinformation that may threaten public safety and national security.

This proposal is included in a submission to a review of contempt of court laws by three national policing organizations, highlighting the necessity of transparency when a 'tipping point' is reached in high-profile cases.

The push for change follows incidents such as the Southport knife attack in July 2024, where misinformation about the assailant proliferated on social media without initial countering from Merseyside Police, culminating in civil unrest across the UK. Critiques have been directed towards Merseyside Police for their delayed release of information regarding Axel Rudakubana, who was later convicted for the murders of three young girls in Southport.

False narratives circulated, claiming he was an asylum seeker with extremist ties.

Current legislation prohibits the publication of certain details from ongoing criminal cases to prevent prejudicing juries.

This legal framework is under scrutiny in the ongoing review, which aims to find a balance between ensuring a fair trial for defendants and maintaining public order and safety.

The National Police Chiefs' Council, College of Policing, and Counter Terrorism Policing stated that the police should be permitted to disclose specific information when misinformation becomes rampant and poses risks to public safety.

Their submission emphasized the need for the criminal justice system to collectively assess the impact of unchecked misinformation in creating environments prone to disorder.

The policing bodies argued that stronger reassurances could be provided in situations where misinformation escalates public concern.

They pointed to practices in other countries where law enforcement shares more information with the public.

For example, in August 2024, Austrian authorities disclosed extensive details about an alleged plot to attack a Taylor Swift concert, including the suspects' nationalities and statements about their motivations, which differ markedly from the restrictive communication practices in the UK.

In the Southport case, the delayed release of details contributed to the spread of false information and incited violent protests, leading to attacks on mosques and accommodation for migrants throughout the UK. Merseyside Chief Constable Serena Kennedy aimed to clarify the suspect's background to counteract the narrative that the attack was terrorist-related, but legal advisors cautioned against sharing such details due to potential implications for the trial.

Additionally, the police submission calls for stricter measures against individuals in prominent positions who promote conspiracy theories and narratives of cover-up, further complicating public perception and trust in law enforcement communications.