Crossbench and opposition politicians have launched a scathing attack on the government's proposed overhaul of Freedom of Information (FOI) laws, accusing ministers of an "addiction to secrecy" and undermining democratic scrutiny.
Proposed Changes Draw Widespread Condemnation
The controversial reforms, announced by the government, include several measures that critics argue will severely restrict public access to information. The most contentious proposals involve introducing new fees for making FOI requests and significantly extending the time government departments have to respond to such enquiries.
Independent MP David Pocock led the charge, stating the changes represented a "massive step backwards for transparency". He argued that the reforms would make it harder for journalists, advocacy groups, and ordinary citizens to hold power to account. "This isn't just tinkering at the edges," Pocock asserted, "it's a fundamental shift towards greater secrecy."
The opposition was equally forceful in its criticism. A spokesperson for the shadow cabinet office minister labelled the plans "deeply cynical" and accused the government of trying to "hide its decisions from the public eye". They warned that charging fees would create a two-tier system where only those who could afford to pay could access information.
A Threat to Democratic Accountability
Transparency advocates and civil society groups have joined the political outcry. They warn that the proposed extended response times could see requests delayed for months, rendering the information useless for timely public debate. The introduction of fees, they argue, directly contradicts the principle that public information, held by public bodies, should be accessible to the public.
"Freedom of Information is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy," explained a campaigner from the Open Government Network. "It's how we uncover waste, ensure proper process, and understand why decisions are made. These changes don't look like efficiency savings; they look like a deliberate attempt to stifle legitimate inquiry."
The government has defended the proposals, citing the need to manage resources and reduce the administrative burden on public servants. A spokesperson stated that the changes are designed to create a "more sustainable system" and ensure that FOI requests do not detract from frontline service delivery.
What Happens Next?
With significant crossbench opposition, the government may face a tougher battle to pass the legislation through parliament. The strength of the backlash suggests a brewing parliamentary fight over the future of transparency in the UK.
Critics are now mobilising, urging the public and the media to challenge what they see as an unprecedented rollback of FOI rights. The coming weeks will determine whether the government can proceed with its plans or if the wave of condemnation will force a major rethink on an issue fundamental to public trust.
