news story

5th June 2007

Steve Webb campaigns Against Secrecy for MPs

Local MP Steve Webb has launched a campaign to reverse a recent vote in the House of Commons which would prevent the public from finding out what their MPs are doing.  A bill proposed by Tory MP David McLean would mean that Parliament was no longer covered by the Freedom of Information Act, meaning that local people could be refused if they asked questions about how MPs were spending taxpayers' money.

The opposition to the bill was led at Westminster by Lib Dem MPs, but they were outvoted and the bill has now progressed to being considered by the House of Lords.

In response, Steve Webb has joined other Lib Dem colleagues in signing a House of Commons motion calling for the changes to be scrapped, and is now urging local people to sign an online petition to register their opposition.

Steve Webb said:

"I am a passionate believer in Freedom of Information - the public has a right to know what their money is being spent on. It is outrageous that some MPs seem to want to hide away from the people who voted them in and pay their salaries.

"I have already heard from a number of local people who share my disgust at this attempt at a cover-up. I hope that many local residents will sign the online petition to make sure that their voices are heard. They could also write to the incoming Prime Minister, whose Government turned a blind eye to this legislation and allowed it through".

The MP added that regardless of any change in the law, he would continue to publish full details of the money that he receives from taxpayers to fulfil his work as an MP.

You can sign the petition by clicking on the button at the top of the page.