Why some journalists have more freedom than others when it comes to sharing views on Twitter

There have been calls for those working in news to keep their political opinions private on social media. But it’s not always that simple

Political reporters should hold back, yes – but the rest of us should be allowed to wade in where appropriate (Getty )

A few weeks ago I read (in print media, ironically) that Twitter was going to close all of its many dormant accounts. That, I knew, meant me, as I hadn’t tweeted anything in five years. So with some help from millennial colleagues, I relaunched myself on social media. I am still getting the hang of it.

We at The Independent are required to state that views expressed in Twitter are ours (as opposed to The Independent’s), which I think is wise, all things considered, and suits both sides, within bounds. Yet now there are calls for journalists or political journalists or media presenters (it varies) to be asked not to do the political or party political stuff.

All of this is problematic. Political reporters should certainly lay off; and for the rest of us, it would be odd if The Independent put up with hate speech or incitement to terror among its staff and contributors. But what about, say, calling Boris Johnson a liar? Or getting involved in the trans rights debate? Or making fun of the Labour leadership contest?