More than 1,000 press cards have been issued by the News Media Association so far in 2019 – a 17pc increase on the same period last year.

The NMA is one of the 19 organisations able to give out cards on behalf of the UK Press Card Authority, and issues them to professional newsgatherers working for the national or regional press.

Press cards are formally recognised by all police forces in the UK, by the Ministry of Justice, the Royal Households and by other public bodies.

The cost of a press card is £20 for those working for NMA members and £40 for those working for national and regional news media who are non- members.

The NMA issues press cards as part of its media facilities service for member publishers which also includes the Royal Rota scheme.

This enables national and regional titles to access pooled pictures from high profile royal and political events across the UK.

More information on applying for a press card can be found here.