Press Release
RICHARD BURT
Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate – West Worcestershire
Contact: 07970 713032
Embargo: Immediate
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION BILL MARKS SHAMEFUL DAY FOR COMMONS - RICHARD BURT
An attempt by Liberal Democrat MPs and others to defeat a Bill which seeks to
exempt MPs and Peers from the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, was
defeated by an alliance of Conservative and Labour MPs today.
The Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill, a private member's bill, introduced
by David Maclean, a Conservative MP, removing any obligation from MPs to make
details of expenses public, passed its third reading shortly before 2.30pm today
(Friday) and will now pass to the House of Lords for debate.
Commenting on today’s debate on the Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill in
the House of Commons, West Worcestershire’s Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate,
Richard Burt, said:
"This has been a shameful day for the House of Commons - MPs should set an
example of open government, not apply it to everybody but themselves.
"This Conservative Bill and the way it has got through the Commons will clearly
diminish respect for Parliament. But the battle will go on and hopefully the
Lords will deliver the Commons from this terrible mistake.
"I hope residents in West Worcestershire will make their views very clear to Sir
Michael Spicer MP and his party, that this is absolutely the wrong direction for
open, accountable government."
ENDS
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