Written question asked by Lord Wallace of Tankerness (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 16 December 2024, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 2 January 2025. It was answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Labour) on Monday, 6 January 2025 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Council of Europe Convention on Access to Official Documents

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to signing and ratifying the Council of Europe Convention on Access to Official Documents.

Answer: The UK Government recognises the significant work done by the Council of Europe in this area and is committed to the core principles outlined in the Convention. The Freedom of Information Act enables individuals to freely access official information from a wide range of public authorities. As it stands, in this government's view, the Convention would not allow for the appropriate protection of sensitive information and of journalistic independence, as Parliament intended when the Act passed. The Government proactively discloses information beyond our obligations under the Act and will continue to do so.

Secondary information