Lib Dems: MPs must comply with FoI
Friday, 16 January 2009 12:00 AM
By Laura Miller
Westminster MPs should not enjoy special privileges when it comes to disclosing how they spend public money, according to David Heath, Liberal Democrat leader of the House.
"The public will not easily understand why it should be that the way we use public money should be kept secret. I will certainly be recommending that colleagues vote against the proposal to exempt parliament."
His comments challenge government plans to bow to pressure from Labour and Conservative ministers and excuse MPs and peers from having to publish details of their expenses.
Mr Heath blamed a culture of resistance within Whitehall for the lengthy battle between FoI campaigners and journalists who sought free access to information on government spending, and MPs.
"Ministers have got themselves into a tangled and expensive mess. Had they published expenses in the terms they now suggest three years ago, it would have been seen as a bold move towards greater transparency," he said.
He joins with the Lib Dem leader in advocating a one rule for all approach to FoI requests.
"Nick Clegg and I have taken a consistent and clear line on the application of the Freedom of Information Act. It must apply to members of parliament just as it applies to anyone else in public life. We shouldn't be seeking exemptions and special treatment just because it may be inconvenient."
If passed, the retrospective exemption will allow parliament to cancel all pending freedom of information requests regarding members' reimbursement claims, as well as blocking any future ones.
"Now, whatever the practical merits, many will still see these proposals, fairly or unfairly, as a shabby retreat," feared Mr Heath.
In a bid to deflect criticism that they are trying to hide information, ministers will propose widening the categories that MPs will have to disclose on an annual basis.
But this method will cover up specific details such as the £1,920 Margaret Beckett charged the taxpayer for plants last year.
Since the Freedom of Information Act came into force in 2000, MPs from both Labour and the Tories have been embarrassed by details of their expenses being made public
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