Cabinet eases stand on secrecy
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.THE MINISTER responsible for ensuring more 'open' government has broken down considerable Cabinet and Whitehall resistance to proposals on freedom of information to be announced in a White Paper this week, writes Patricia Wynn Davies.
William Waldegrave, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, has the support of John Major and Douglas Hurd, the Foreign Secretary, for the changes contained in the paper, expected to be published on Thursday.
The paper will cover rules to make more information available about the background to many Whitehall decisions, together with a new system to ensure the rules are kept. The paper is expected to propose the creation of a watchdog, possibly in the nature of an ombudsman, to monitor compliance.
Changes giving greater access to medical records held by doctors and hospitals are also understood to be included, following negotiations with the Department of Health.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments