Rishi Sunak accused of concealment culture after record number of FoI blocks | Freedom of information | The Guardian

Key Findings

Rishi Sunak's government achieved a record low in fulfilling freedom of information requests during its first three months, with only 33.6% of requests fully granted. This is significantly lower than previous administrations, including 56% under David Cameron and 43% under Boris Johnson.

Criticism and Accusations

The Labour party criticized the lack of transparency, contrasting it with Sunak's promise of an 'integrity, professionalism and accountability' government. They highlighted a concerning drop in information release rates across various government departments, particularly the Treasury.

Government Response

The government defended its actions, citing high request numbers and the need to protect national security and personal data. They also emphasized the proactive release of information outside the scope of the Freedom of Information Act.

Wider Concerns

The article highlights a broader concern regarding the UK's freedom of information laws, referencing a previous open letter signed by numerous journalists, politicians, and campaigners warning of obstructions to lawful requests.

Data Points

• 33.6% of requests fully granted in the first quarter of Sunak's premiership.
• 18% rate of information granted by the Treasury in the first quarter.
• 86% of requests responded to in time.
• Record high number of requests received, a 24% increase year-on-year.