Researchers and a UK Information Commissioner’s Office spokesperson are criticizing the Foreign Office for lack of transparency regarding files on Prince Andrew. The office has claimed various reasons, including a potential 105-year rule for royal family records, for withholding the files. The Information Commissioner’s Office states no such legislation exists, while researchers highlight a concerning trend of previously open files being reclosed.
Researchers have called for greater transparency from the Foreign Office over the files it holds on the Duke of York. Officials responding to freedom of information requests have given a variety of reasons why the files cannot be released., was told that the files could not be made public until 2065, and implied there was a general rule that papers relating to members of the royal family must remain closed until 105 years after their birth.
“The government’s covering up for Andrew,” said Lownie, who has described trying to get information on the prince from government departments as like “whack-a-mole” and has “This is a rather dubious process, in that the National Archives relies on retrospective application of the exemptions to the FoI Act to justify these reclosures,” she said. She believes the National Archives had ignored parliament’s intention for the law to allow journalists and academic researchers to override exemptions. “It’s all internal at the National Archives. There’s no external scrutiny. I don’t think it would withstand a judicial review.
The National Archives releases documents every year containing letters or other information about the late Queen, her sister Princess Margaret, or other members of the royal family, within 105 years of their birth.
Freedom Of Information Transparency Prince Andrew Royal Family Reclosures
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Charles Spencer’s new flame takes his estranged ex to court ‘for spreading her intimate information’The new girlfriend of Earl Spencer has launched legal proceedings against his estranged wife, Countess Karen Spencer, accusing her of misusing private information.
Read more »
'No information, no facts, no evidence': Chris Minns hits out at 'politicised' corruption watchdog referral"(There is) absolutely no information, no facts, no evidence to support that exact allegation," the NSW premier told reporters in Sydney.
Read more »
Emergency information translated into Vietnamese for Carnarvon growersAfter struggling to share important information about an unfolding bushfire situation with Carnarvon's non-English-speaking residents, authorities with the help of a translator are building relationships with growers.
Read more »
Mount Buffalo Chalet to reopen as cafe, outdoor education and information centreMore than 5,000 students are expected to lodge at the 114-year-old building annually in a move that will create jobs and training opportunities.
Read more »
Paula Vennells ‘devastated’ over missing information about faulty Horizon systemFormer Post Office CEO has maintained her innocence in a closing submission to the inquiry, saying executives did not share crucial information with her
Read more »
Calls for Stronger Oversight of AFP's International Information SharingA parliamentary inquiry has recommended stronger oversight of the Australian Federal Police's (AFP) sensitive investigations oversight board, which handles international information sharing on cases involving the death penalty. The inquiry, prompted by the recent return of the Bali Five, urged for annual independent reviews and expansion of the board's membership to include external experts.
Read more »