Court of Protection has 7 regional hubs + I'd like to observe some hearings there. I can't find any centralised (or hub-specific) listings, just some scattered cases on courtserve with NO info about how to get access (or issues for hearing). Trying this one today. @seethrujustice https://twitter.com/KitzingerCelia/status/1257675889300705282

I can't locate any contact details for HHJ Moir so have emailed the Newcastle court + got this automated response: "Unless the Court considers your query to be urgent, our aim is to respond within 10 working days". Now phoning.

Newcastle County + Family Court is operating a reduced service due to C-19. Only 10am-2pm. They suggest e-mailing. It's not looking good for my chances of being able to observe this hearing.

Public observation of hearings not going well. Newcastle (COP North East North Regional Hub) looks unlikely so trying Reading (COP South East Regional Hub).No phone service til 10am (it starts at 10am!). Email response within 10 days unless urgent. Not optimistic. @seethrujustice

Someone replied to my email to Court of Protection South East Regional Hub saying she needed to consult her Manager. Have heard nothing more (so missed todays 10am hearing)

But I may have better luck with HHJ Moir's hearing scheduled for 10.30 but helpful person on phone tells me it's not yet started (her earlier telephone hearing ran late) + he's asking her to consider my request. Fingers crossed for COP 13236134(R). (Yes the R did mean 'remote"!)

Listening in (by phone) to this remote video-hearing that is beset by technical problems. Order seeks to suspend all contact between P + her mother for an initial 6-month period (+ only limited supervised contact with grandparents). Opposed by mother.

Really imp case concerning HUGE Article 8 issues. I'm struggling to follow it since judge decided no opening summary was needed as she had PS (but I don't), I am having to figure out who the parties are as we go along + they keep referring to docs I don't have. @seethrujustice

This is exactly the sort of case that needs journalists/observers to be present - and we need some support in understanding issues. What is happening instead is continual anxiety when people mention real names of ppl + places and reminders I'm not to reveal them,

Currently on lunch break. I have asked to be able to join the hearing by video-link rather than phone after the break. At least then I can read the names of counsel and it's much less stressful than listening via phone. Open justice needs some help here! @seethrujustice

Admitted to the video-call this afternoon - amazing contrast with this morning's phone version of the same hearing. I can now see the people present and their names. Mother is being cross-examined by phone though -so she's in the situation I was in this morning.

Meanwhile I've been told that all South West COP hearings held remotely "are done so in private. It is therefore not possible to attend a remote hearing. The transparency provisions relating to the Court of Protection will take effect again once attended hearings are listed."