Journalists, rights groups, and Lords: FOI Commission oral evidence list

The government’s Freedom of Information Commission, which is reviewing the transparency law, has announced who will give oral evidence to it. 

In total 17 groups and individuals will speak to the five person Commission over two evidence sessions at the end of January.

Included in the list is the Campaign for Freedom of Information, the Information Commissioner, the National Police Chiefs Council (formerly ACPO), Liberty, council, university, and NHS representatives and a number of Lords.

The two sessions will take place in London on 20th and 25th January and be open for members of the public and press to attend. Although, there are fewer seats available during the second evidence session and they will not be streamed online.

Also included among the witnesses are members of the media. The Press Association and also the Society of Editors are due to share their views on why the FOI Act is important for journalists. The Tax Payers’ Alliance and campaign group 38 Degrees will also be defending the public right to know.

The oral evidence sessions follow more than 30,000 submissions of evidence to the Commission in November. The Commission does not yet have a date when it will publish its report but it has been said the work will be completed in February.

Both sessions will be held at First Floor, Portcullis House, Bridge Street, London SW1A 2LW at the following dates and times:

• 20th January from 1pm to 4pm in the Attlee Suite
• 25th January from 10am to 5pm in the Macmillan Room

The full list of those giving evidence can be found below: 

20 January 2016

25 January 2016