The Commission on Freedom of Information rejected the argument that Britain's existing laws need to be overhauled, saying current legislation was "working well."
In a boost for those campaigning against changes to FoI laws, the commission ruled that in some areas "the right of access should be increased."
Our response to the Commission on Freedom of Information's report published today https://t.co/xYr6mSPQEi #FOI #HandsoffFOI
— Campaign for FOI (@CampaignFoI) March 1, 2016
The findings come after the government last year launched a review into the British FoI Act amid concerns it was having an impact on "policy development."
Last year, a senior government official said that the FoI rules had a "chilling effect" on the operation of government, while Conservative MP Chris Grayling attracted widespread criticism when he called for restrictions to be made to existing legislation, arguing that it was merely being used as a "research tool" to "generate stories" for the media.
Press release: Freedom of Information changes scrapped – Reprieve comment https://t.co/jwqCCSkLmj #FOI
— Reprieve (@Reprieve) March 1, 2016
The proposed restrictions to the FoI Act, which included the introduction of measures that would make it easier for ministers to veto the publication of certain government documents, were widely criticized by opponents, who argued that it would reduce transparency and would result in a reduction of governmental accountability.
In recent times FoI laws have been used to uncover information regarding the UK's involvement in covert drone strikes and alleged complicity in the CIA's rendition program.
Join our Criminal Investigations Team to help safeguard personal information. Apply: https://t.co/GF7Zl7o1AD pic.twitter.com/PywZzg9MNR
— ICO (@ICOnews) 2 March 2016
The legislation was also uncovered the controversial 'black spider memos' sent by Prince Charles to British government ministers, which revealed the extent that the Prince lobbied political figures over certain policy areas.
Commenting on the latest findings, Maya Foa, director at human rights campaigners Reprieve, said the commission's decision to reject the need for freedom of information reform was a positive development.
"Freedom of Information plays a vital role in uncovering government wrongdoing — from waste and incompetence to complicity in human rights abuses. The government's plans to dilute FoI should never have been introduced, so the Commission's findings today are welcome. Let's hope this will make ministers think twice before attempting to undermine the British public's right to know."
In response to the report, the government released a statement saying it agreed with many of the recommendations, while adding that it would "carefully consider" others.
