This page contains links to the 'as delivered' texts of ministerial speeches on Freedom of Information, and information about the content of those speeches.
International
conference of Information Commissioners (Lord Falconer) [22 May
2006]
This speech considers lessons learned from international experience of developing
Freedom of Information laws, and considers the first year of FOI in the UK.
Freedom of Information and scholarship: year one (Lord Falconer) [ 11 February 2006 ]
This speech describes the progress of successive governments towards a Freedom of Information Act, and considers the benefits that the new Act offers to historians and researchers. The possibility of extending the scope of the Act to cover some private bodies performing public functions is also explained.
FOI Live 2005: Third annual information conference for the public sector (Lord Falconer) [ 16 June 2005 ]
This speech reviews the first six months of FOI in central government and beyond, and announces the publication of the report on the Review of Statutory Prohibitions on Disclosure.
Freedom of Information: The beginning of a new chapter in openness (Lord Falconer) [ 29 January 2005 ]
This speech looks at some of the requests made during the first month of the FOI Act, and explains the need to strike a balance between openness and and effective government.
National Archives press event (Baroness Ashton ) [ 4 January 2005 ]
This speech was given at a press event for journalists on 15 December 2004, announcing the end of the '30 year rule' under the Freedom of Information Act. All information available for view by the journalists at this event was embargoed until 4 January 2005 .
Law for Journalists conference (Lord Falconer) [ 26 November 2004 ]
Speech given at the Law for Journalists conference in London, announcing the making of the final Order to bring the FOI Act into force on 1 January 2005 . This speech also announced the setting up of a Central Clearing House to assist departments in handling requests under the Act.
Fees strategy announcement (Lord Falconer) [ 18 October 2004 ]
Speech given at the Society of Editors conference in Newcastle , in which Lord Falconer announces that the vast majority of Freedom of Information requests will be free to the requester, up to a cost of £450 in the wider public sector and £600 in central government.
Campaign for Freedom of Information (Lord Falconer) [ 1 March 2004 ]
Speech given at the St. Bride's Institute, reaffirming the Government's commitment to the Freedom of Information Act, and explaining the approach taken to implementation.
