24 November 2020
The UK government is running a secret "clearing house" for freedom of information requests that is used to coordinate which information to release and to whom, according to a new report. The unit shares information on journalists and organisations making requests, leading one shadow cabinet minister to describe it as being involved in "blacklisting". A legal challenge has been launched by openDemocracy, who have published the report detailing the government's attacks on freedom of information, and the law firm Leigh Day.
Support our work: become a Friend of Statewatch from as little as £1/€1 per month.
UK government running ‘Orwellian’ unit to block release of ‘sensitive’ information (openDemocracy, link)
See the report: Art of Darkness: How the government is undermining Freedom of Information (link to pdf)
Spotted an error? If you've spotted a problem with this page, just click once to let us know.
Statewatch does not have a corporate view, nor does it seek to create one, the views expressed are those of the author. Statewatch is not responsible for the content of external websites and inclusion of a link does not constitute an endorsement. Registered UK charity number: 1154784. Registered UK company number: 08480724. Registered company name: The Libertarian Research & Education Trust. Registered office: MayDay Rooms, 88 Fleet Street, London EC4Y 1DH. © Statewatch ISSN 1756-851X. Personal usage as private individuals "fair dealing" is allowed. We also welcome links to material on our site. Usage by those working for organisations is allowed only if the organisation holds an appropriate licence from the relevant reprographic rights organisation (eg: Copyright Licensing Agency in the UK) with such usage being subject to the terms and conditions of that licence and to local copyright law.