Press releases | Campaign for Freedom of Information

New FOI commission heralds “crackdown on the right to know”

A major attack on the public’s right to information is likely following the government’s announcement today of a new Commission to review the Freedom of Information Act, according to the Campaign for Freedom of Information. The Commission has been asked to consider whether new measures are needed to protect the government’s internal discussions from disclosure and to […]

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Gove comments indicate government plans to weaken FOI

The Campaign for Freedom of Information expressed concern at today’s Commons statement by the Justice Secretary Michael Gove saying that the government would “revisit” the Freedom of Information Act to ensure that civil servants’ advice to ministers was protected so they could “speak candidly”.

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Campaign criticises government veto proposals

The Campaign for Freedom of Information today criticised the government’s statement that it would seek to strengthen minister’s powers to veto decisions under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act. The announcement was made in a lobby briefing in the run up to today’s publication of Prince Charles’ correspondence with government departments. The material had been sought

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Welcome for Supreme Court’s ruling on the ministerial veto in Prince Charles case

The Campaign for Freedom of Information welcomed today’s Supreme Court ruling that ministers cannot veto decisions of the Tribunal that deals with FOI cases merely because they disagree with them. The judgment followed the Attorney General’s attempt to block disclosure of Prince Charles’ correspondence with government departments. The Upper Tribunal had ordered disclosure after Guardian

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Campaign for Freedom of Information celebrates 30th anniversary – with Steve Bell cartoon

The Campaign for Freedom of Information – which played a key role in securing the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act – celebrates its 30th anniversary this week. The Act itself is 10 years old this month.

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FOI Act celebrates its 10th anniversary on January 1

The Freedom of Information Act (FOI Act), which has its 10th anniversary on January 1 2015, has played a major part in informing the public about the state of public services, says the Campaign for Freedom of Information. The Act, which was passed in November 2000 came into force on January 1 2005. However, the Campaign says it is being undermined

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MPs’ bill would strengthen public right to know about contractors

A Bill to close a loophole in the Freedom of Information Act that allows contractors providing public services to escape scrutiny is due have its second reading debate on Friday 17 October.

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MPs urged to bring contractors’ information under FOI Act

MPs who come up in this week’s ballot for private members’ bills are being urged to introduce a bill to improve the public’s right to know about public service contracts.

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Move to restrict use of FOI by campaigners criticised

A survey of local councils, aimed at gathering information to push for restrictions to the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, has been criticised by the Campaign for Freedom of Information. A body representing local authority lawyers has appealed to councils on behalf of the Local Government Association (LGA) saying the LGA is thinking of calling

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Court of Appeal ruling strengthens FOI Act

The Campaign for Freedom of Information welcomed today’s Court of Appeal ruling overturning the government’s veto of an Upper Tribunal decision ordering the release of Prince Charles’ correspondence with ministers. The Guardian had applied for the correspondence under the Freedom of Information Act. The Upper Tribunal, which deals with high level FOI appeals, had ordered

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