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ARTICLE · 18 JANUARY 2005

Freedom of Information

Pinsent Masons
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The passage of the Freedom of Information Act (“the Act”) marks the fulfilment of a longstanding Labour Party commitment to freedom of information. The Act is a major part of the constitutional reform which includes the incorporation of the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms into the UK Law with the Human Rights Act 1998 and the devolution of powers to the Scottish and Welsh assemblies.

United KingdomStrategy
Rosemary Jay
Rosemary Jay

1. INTRODUCTION

The passage of the Freedom of Information Act (“the Act”) marks the fulfilment of a longstanding Labour Party commitment to freedom of information. The Act is a major part of the constitutional reform which includes the incorporation of the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms into the UK Law with the Human Rights Act 1998 and the devolution of powers to the Scottish and Welsh assemblies.

The Government is committed to moving towards greater openness in the public sector. When it was issued the draft Bill was described by the Home Office as “a radical measure containing clear and robust access rights for those requesting information and a strong enforcement regime”. It has been recognised that legislation alone will not suffice to create a climate of openness; that cultural and not merely legislative change is needed. The Act is intended to act as a catalyst for change in the way that public

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