Freedom of Information Act 2000

Monday 11th July 2011 Written Statements

[The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice (Mr Kenneth Clarke)]

I have today published an updated policy on the use of the executive override under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (“the veto”) as it relates to information that engages the principle of collective responsibility under section 35(1) of the Freedom of Information Act.

The policy sets out the Government’s view that the veto should only be considered in exceptional circumstances and following the provision of a collective view by the Cabinet—a commitment which is consistent with the undertakings made to this House by the previous Administration during the passage of the Freedom of Information Bill. The policy has been updated to set out who would fulfil the role of “accountable person” for papers of this or previous Administrations.

Copies of the updated policy have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses, the Vote Office and the Printed Paper Office. It will also be published online, at www.justice.gov.uk.