ANTI-SECRECY MP DEFENDS KEEPING INFO SECRET

21-05-2007

One of the most prolific users of the Freedom of Information Act has defended the exemption given to MP’s. Tom Watson, the MP for West Bromwich East says it’s vital to protect information given to them by constituents.

Watson has used to Act to come up with two stonkers recently. He highlighted the inconsistent provision of stab vests for Police Community Support Officers - an issue which we reported on The Stirrer. (see the article here)

And he also forced Police Minister Tony McNulty to admit that the government was considering using spy planes - or unmanned ariel vehicles - to combat crime and terrorism on Britain’s streets (link)

Not the actions of an obvious anti-libertarian, then. Watson simply believes that without the exemption, his correspondence with constituents could be open to scrutiny - potentially putting them at risk.

What’s more, the Speaker of the House of Commons Michael Martin has promised that MP’s mileage and expenses - one of the key areas opened up by FoI - will still be published.

Walsall North MP David Winnick reckons that the MP’s who voted for the exemption are being hypocritical, though, while the Campaign for the Freedom of Information says that MP’s personal correspondence was exempt anyway.

Expect the battle to continue in the House of Lords.