Proceedings in the UK Supreme Court can now be watched live over the internet in an effort to make the court more transparent and accessible.

A live stream of the court's hearings and judgments went live today (16 May) on Sky News and can be accessed via the court's website.

The Supreme Court is already exempt from the prohibition on the filming of court proceedings in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, but until now footage has only been used in a limited amount of news coverage and a number of documentaries.

The court has, however, stipulated that on rare occasions, live streaming will be suspended for particular cases.

Supreme Court chief executive Jenny Rowe said: "We hope that making available live video of the court's hearings and judgments will help the legal profession and inspire and educate the next generation.

"We are grateful to Sky News for taking the initiative in developing this service, which will be welcomed by all those who are concerned for improving access to seeing justice being done."

The news follows recommendations made by the Master of the Rolls, Lord Neuberger, in March, when he put forward the argument for some hearings from the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal to be televised.

However, he added that any judges hearing the case concerned "would have to have full rights of veto over what could be broadcast".

For more, Lord Neuberger puts forward case for televised court hearings.

• Click here to access live coverage of the Supreme Court