Editorial policy

Accuracy first

We publish what we can verify. Facts, figures, names, dates and quotes are checked against their sources before publication, and important claims are confirmed by more than one independent source wherever possible. We never invent facts, quotes, sources or people.

Fact, allegation, opinion

We make clear what is established fact, what is an allegation, what is opinion and what is a prediction. Allegations are attributed. People accused of crimes are described as accused, arrested or charged, never as guilty before a court has ruled.

Fairness and independence

We do not endorse political parties or candidates. When we report on criticism of a person or organisation, we seek and include their response where appropriate.

How stories are produced

Our newsroom uses technology to monitor sources, spot developing stories, organise research and check our work against our standards. Every story is reviewed against this policy, and stories on politics, crime, health and other sensitive subjects are approved by an editor before publication.

Images

We use photographs we have the rights to, credited to their source. We never present a generated image as a photograph of a real event; illustrations are labelled as illustrations.

Mistakes

When we get something wrong, we correct it openly. See our corrections policy and sourcing policy.