Meeting of the Parliament 21 June 2017
Yes.
It is clear that the Government is truly good at spin, but it is not good at listening and telling the whole story. That spin was evident yesterday when, in response to the motion, the Government made it clear that it accepts the criticism that is being made but tried to mask its failings by announcing that it will go further by publishing online all responses to FOl requests.
The debate proves that we in the Conservatives are doing what we promised to do when we were elected: holding the Government to account. By the SNP’s admission, we need an independent inquiry and post-legislative scrutiny. I assure those who are listening to the debate that we will keep a beady eye on the Government to ensure that it changes how it deals with FOl requests, because the Government knows that it is wrong and that it needs to be more accountable. Let us be honest that, in a mature and stable democracy, what the Government is doing is frankly indefensible.
The debate will prove that the Government has been dealing with FOl requests disingenuously. It knows that it is wrong and it cannot hide that. We in the Conservative Party, the Parliament and the press will hold the Government to account. In the future, the Government must be more honest, transparent and accountable. I look forward to hearing the evidence from members and I hope that we might see some humility from the Government.