Green Party pushed to back freedom of information reform
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Author: Rob Edwards in THE FERRET investigative journal
The Scottish Greens are coming under pressure to back a bid to strengthen and extend freedom of information (FoI) law – and boost the chances of reform.
Campaigners have voiced “disappointment” that no Green MSP has so far signed an FoI bill being promoted by the Labour MSP, Katy Clark, pictured right.
The bill has been signed by 24 Labour, Liberal Democrat and Conservative MSPs and will be debated in the Scottish Parliament. But without Green or SNP backing, it is unlikely to become law.
The Green MSP, Gillian Mackay, said she was keen to work with Clark “in good faith” to support reform “where appropriate”. The two MSPs are due to meet to discuss the bill.
Clark’s bill aims to extend freedom of information coverage to all bodies delivering public services, including private and third sector agencies. It hopes to close loopholes, improve enforcement and introduce a statutory duty to proactively publish information.
