SCOTTISH LABOUR MSP EARNS RIGHT TO INTRODUCE FOI BILL
21st December
Katy Clark has thanked the “tireless work” of constituents and campaigners after earning the right to introduce a bill to reform Freedom of Information (FOI) legislation in the new year.
The Scottish Labour MSP has passed the threshold of 18 MSPs from three different parties to introduce a member’s bill in the Scottish Parliament. Her bill aims to modernise FOI and extend designation to private and third sector bodies delivering public services.
It follows a consultation exercise carried out by the Scottish Labour MSP. Of those who answered, an overwhelming 74.5% of respondents indicated support for the proposed bill. In total, 96 respondents – including public bodies, business groups, councils, charities, trade unions and academics – provided submissions, an even greater number than the Scottish Government’s own consultation on the issue.
The Scottish Government has thus far ruled out the immediate introduction of legislation that would overhaul FOI, instead committing to secondary reforms and future consultations despite concerns about the lack of progress being raised by the Scottish Information Commissioner.
Katy Clark MSP, who represents West Scotland for Scottish Labour, commented: “I am pleased to have earned the right to introduce an FOI reform bill. It’s a culmination of months, and in some cases years, of tireless work and public campaigning. My thanks go to the many constituents who have called on their MSPs to back this bill.
“The focus will now be on introducing a bill to make FOI fit for the modern day, and I will be taking soundings from colleagues across all political parties as we attempt to get this right.
“My bill will finally close loopholes, extend designation, introduce a statutory duty for bodies to proactively publish information.
“When it comes to the public’s right to know, the principle is that public information should follow the public pound. I look forward to making that case as we seek to ensure parliament progresses reforms that achieve that.”
FERRY DISRUPTION STILL CAUSING SUPPLY ISSUES
15th December
Arran residents still frequently face the risk of shortages to food and other vital supplies, Katy Clark has said.
The warning comes a year after she called on CalMac to prioritise lorries delivering essential goods following reports that many drivers were being left on standby for sailings at the busiest time of the year.
In January, CalMac confirmed it was working with retailer Co-op to minimise disruption and agree on clearer lines of communication. However, the Scottish Labour MSP, revealed she has again received correspondence from islanders in recent weeks who are concerned that these issues are reoccurring.
Katy Clark, who represents West Scotland for Scottish Labour, said: “I’m extremely concerned that islanders are still flagging issues around essential supplies. It’s unacceptable they are having to put up with this in 2023.
“I have written to CalMac to seek assurances about what actions they are taking to ensure this problem is nipped in the bud so we do not see a repeat of the alarming scenes of last Winter.
“It is also a reminder that the Scottish Government ministers cannot continue to bury their heads in the sand. Islanders need a resilient fleet, and that means building industrial capacity and ensuring there is a steady flow of new vessels.
“I will continue pressing for an emergency strategy so these problems are resolved once and for all.”