To: Editors of British press and news editors of British TV networks

An appeal to British media not to over-react to terrorist attacks

All British news agencies should agree to form a 'press directive' in response to terrorist attacks which in essence means that their response should be factual and informative but restrained.

Why is this important?

Last night, among hours of coverage, the BBC took ten minutes to retrace the Westminster terrorist's steps in detail over the bridge. This unnecessary reporting reflects how extreme the coverage has been across both TV and newspapers.

This hysterical and over-the-top coverage is exactly what terrorists want. It encourages fear and over-reaction. If media agencies can agree to restraint - to report the facts in a concise and unemotional way - then this will be a powerful message to terrorists that no one, not even the media, is going to be swayed by their actions.

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