Editorial Policy

This policy explains the standards we hold ourselves to. If we fall short, tell us and we will put it right.

Accuracy and verification

We check facts before we publish. We prefer documents, official records and people with direct knowledge over rumours and unverified social media posts. When something is not confirmed, we say so.

Sources

We name our sources wherever we can and list them at the end of reported stories. We use unnamed sources only when there is a good reason, such as a risk to the person, and we explain that reason to readers.

Original work and credit

We do not copy other people's work. When we rely on another outlet's reporting, we say so and credit it.

Reported news, analysis and opinion

Every story carries a label. Reported news states facts gathered by our reporters. Analysis explains what reported facts may mean. Opinion is the view of its author. Opinion and analysis are never presented as straight news.

Independence and conflicts of interest

Governments, parties, companies and other outside groups do not control our coverage. Our writers tell the editor about any personal or financial interest in a story, and may be taken off it.

Fairness

When a story contains serious claims against a person or organisation, we try to give them a fair chance to respond before publication, and we say when they could not be reached.

Developing stories

When a story is still developing, we update it as facts are confirmed and show when it was last updated.

Images and credits

We credit photographers, agencies and other image sources. We do not alter images in a way that misleads readers. Illustrations and file pictures are labelled as such.

Care for people

We take particular care when reporting on children, victims of crime and people in distress. We consider the harm a publication could cause as well as the public interest in it.

Corrections

We correct mistakes openly. Read our Corrections Policy.