Police and media launch charter to ‘reset’ relations after Nicola Bulley case

Forces in England and Wales and journalists pledge to improve relations amid rising distrust

Police and the media have backed a “reset” in relations between officers and journalists, after a prolonged period of distrust since the handling of the Nicola Bulley case in 2023.

Bulley’s disappearance in Lancashire led to significant fallout between the police and the press, with media outlets saying a lack of access and information allowed incorrect assertions and conspiracy theories about the case to gain ground.