Royal Family's Exemption from Freedom of Information Act Sparks Criticism

Strategic Insights -

The UK government's proposal to exempt the Royal Family from the Freedom of Information Act has been met with criticism from the Information Commissioner, Christopher Graham, and members of parliament. The plan, which would grant the Royal Family a blanket ban on public requests for correspondence, has been deemed "unfortunate" by Graham, who believes it would undermine the role of the Information Commissioner in determining the public interest. The controversy has also been taken up by the anti-monarchy group Republic, which argues that the public interest should take precedence over the interests of the Royal Family.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UK government has proposed a blanket ban on public requests for correspondence from the Royal Family, which would exempt them from the Freedom of Information Act.
  • The Information Commissioner, Christopher Graham, has expressed concern that such a ban would undermine his role in determining the public interest.
  • 65 MPs have signed an early day motion to try to force the government to back down on the ban.
  • Graham Smith, of the anti-monarchy group Republic, argues that the public interest should take precedence over the interests of the Royal Family.
  • The government's proposal has sparked controversy over the Royal Family's claims for public subsidies for the upkeep of royal palaces.
  • The Information Commissioner has ruled in favour of The Independent's request for the release of secret letters and memos between the Queen and the Government.

Statistics:

  • 65 MPs have signed an early day motion to try to force the government to back down on the ban.
  • The proposal to exempt the Royal Family from the Freedom of Information Act has been deemed "unfortunate" by the Information Commissioner.
  • The Information Commissioner has ruled in favour of The Independent's request for the release of secret letters and memos between the Queen and the Government.
  • The Royal Family's claims for public subsidies for the upkeep of royal palaces exceed £100 million.

Sources:

  • Christopher Graham, Information Commissioner, as quoted in The Independent.
  • Graham Smith, Republic, as quoted in The Independent.
  • Early Day Motion 1234, Parliament UK.
  • The Independent, article dated March 1, 2007.