View all newsletters
Sign up for our free email newsletters

Fighting for quality news media in the digital age.

  1. Comment
May 25, 2007

FoI exemption: what are our MPs trying to hide?

By admin editorbloog

Some 96 MPs voted to exempt themselves from the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act last week – 78 Labour and 18 Tories.

There is still hope that the Lords will throw out the Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill, thus closing what could become a shameful loophole in the legislation.

The Mail on Sunday this week made much sport of the fact that the sponsor of the bill, David Maclean, had claimed a quad bike on Parliamentary expenses (albeit as a result of multiple sclerosis-related mobility problems).

Helpfully, they’ve also listed the names of every MP who backed the legislation. Far be it for Press Gazette to tell its readers how to do their jobs – but surely it is worth making good use of FoI to find out about their local MP’s expenses, before it’s too late.

Content from our partners
Free journalism awards for journalists under 30: Deadline today
MHP Group's 30 To Watch awards for young journalists open for entries
How PA Media is helping newspapers make the digital transition

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