View all newsletters
Sign up for our free email newsletters

Fighting for quality news media in the digital age.

  1. Archive content
December 6, 2006updated 22 Nov 2022 9:56pm

Blair promises to consult local press on FoI

By Press Gazette

Kent Messenger political editor Paul Francis was in the limelight last week after Tony Blair responded to his question about FoI restrictions by saying: "We will certainly consult you and others very widely on it."

Francis quizzed the Prime Minister, who was speaking to political editors and their guests at the Newspaper Society's Newspaper Conference annual lunch.

Blair said: "What's important to realise is this generates an awful lot of work for the Government and it's important there is some sort of cost benefit relationship to it."

Francis told Press Gazette: "The question was designed to extract some kind of commitment rather than allow the proposals to be pushed through without giving anyone a chance to say what might be damaging or wrong about them.

"I have to admit I was trying to elicit the right response and he gave it. Let's all hope he will live up to his commitment to consult widely and take on the views of the industry generally."

Content from our partners
MHP Group's 30 To Watch awards for young journalists open for entries
How PA Media is helping newspapers make the digital transition
Publishing on the open web is broken, how generative AI could help fix it

Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog

Select and enter your email address Weekly insight into the big strategic issues affecting the future of the news industry. Essential reading for media leaders every Thursday. Your morning brew of news about the world of news from Press Gazette and elsewhere in the media. Sent at around 10am UK time. Our weekly does of strategic insight about the future of news media aimed at US readers. A fortnightly update from the front-line of news and advertising. Aimed at marketers and those involved in the advertising industry.
  • Business owner/co-owner
  • CEO
  • COO
  • CFO
  • CTO
  • Chairperson
  • Non-Exec Director
  • Other C-Suite
  • Managing Director
  • President/Partner
  • Senior Executive/SVP or Corporate VP or equivalent
  • Director or equivalent
  • Group or Senior Manager
  • Head of Department/Function
  • Manager
  • Non-manager
  • Retired
  • Other
Visit our privacy Policy for more information about our services, how New Statesman Media Group may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications.
Thank you

Thanks for subscribing.

Websites in our network