Tom Watson MP, Labour’s Deputy Leader and Shadow Minister for the Cabinet Office, responding to reports that Matt Hancock MP is opposing changes to Freedom of Information, said:

“The Government is turning the Freedom of Information review into a Christmas farce with Ministers pulling in different directions and arguing over whether to weaken it or save it.

“Cabinet Office minister Matt Hancock, whose department ordered the review of the FoI Act, apparently now believes it should be saved. By making that clear he has prejudged the findings of the independent commission set up to review it and effectively neutered its members. That review has been a waste of time and public money.

“It’s time for the Government to accept the Act has been a success and confirm it will stay in its current form.”