Freedom of Information

I mentioned a few days ago that MPs were going to vote on exempting themselves from the Freedom of Information Act. Now they've done it. Labour's 1997 manifesto said;

'Unnecessary secrecy in government leads to arrogance in government and defective policy decisions....We are pledged to a Freedom of Information Act, leading to more open government...'

The private member's bill to exempt MPs has only progressed with the tacit support of the government. In the third reading the bill was backed by 78 labour MPs, 18 Tories (including that voice of tolerance, Ann Widdecombe, naturally), and no Lib Dems. Bliar declined to comment; Bruin declined to block it.

Those who have supported the bill should hang their heads in shame. So should the many who did not vote against.