Jon Bright (London, OK): David Maclean MP's Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill will be debated in the commons tomorrow. The amendment, which would exempt both parliament and MP's communications with public authorities from public scrutiny, is defended, by Jack Straw among others, on the grounds that it preserves the privacy of constituents who have corresponded with their MPs, but has been attacked vociferously by a number of campaigning groups. The Freedom of Information blog, along with many others, argue that the existing FOI act already allows for the exemption of private communications between MPs and constituents, while Mark Fisher MP argues in the Independent that the bill has been pushed through by "procedural sleight of hand", with little real scrutiny. Both argue the real motive is to conceal parliamentary members' spending.
If passed, we'll no longer be able to access, among other things, David Maclean's expenses. More importantly, MPs will have added to the already deep distrust of British politicians. A great opportunity for one of the three men who will probably contest the next general election to speak out - but will any of them take it?
