John Redwood

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Freesom of information legislation

   Today Rt Hon John Redwood cancelled his constituency engagements in order to be in the Commons to consider the Freedom of Information legislation.

A private members bill supported by the government got through easily because debate was cut short on three separate occasions. The Minister concerned explained why she thought we needed the new law although she described the government's official position as neutral and did not vote herself. John Redwood opposed the measure, and voted for two amendments which would have limited Parliament's right to opt out of the Freedom of Information legislation. In the final vote on whether to approve the Bill or not, only 24 others joined him in the lobby against.

    John said after the event: "It was a sad day for Parliament that we were not even allowed sufficient time to discuss this new limit on access to information. MPs who had tabled amendments were not allowed to speak to them. There was no chance for me to make a speech.  Only 25 MPs thought it important to say that Parliament should not exempt itself from this law."