Chloe SmithMP for Norwich North
Chloe SmithA number of constituents have recently been in touch in relation to the Freedom of Information Act. The Government established an independent, cross-party Commission last year to review the Freedom of Information Act and to make sure it is functioning as intended. The Commission will consider whether there is an appropriate public interest balance between transparency, accountability and the need for sensitive information to have robust protection, and whether the operation of the Act adequately recognises the need for a private space for policy development, implementation and frank advice.
First off, I fully support freedom of information, as does the Government. It’s worth remembering that the World Wide Web Foundation's Open Data Barometer and Open Knowledge's Global Open Data Index ranked the UK as the world's leading country on open government. For my own part, I aim to regularly send out updates on my parliamentary activity, including explanations on which way I voted, so that my constituents can hold me to account.
After more than a decade of the Freedom of Information Act in operation, though, it is normal to expect that the process be reviewed. Indeed, I think it is a question of open and democratic government that you do expect laws to stay under review to an extent.
I know that the Government's aim is to be as open and transparent as possible on the substance of information, consistent with ensuring that a private space is protected for frank advice. To that end, I think the Government must maintain the best environment for policy-makers to think freely and offer frank advice to decision-makers. The most effective system is when policy makers can freely give advice, while citizens can shine a light into government.
The Commission received over 30,000 submissions and held two oral evidence sessions in January. I look forward to the Commission's conclusion and the Government's response in due course and will continue to pay close attention to the issue.