Freedom of information is foundational to any functioning democracy. It empowers citizens to hold governments accountable, uncover injustices, and stay informed about how public funds are spent. However, recent revelations suggest that this vital right is under unprecedented threat from a secretive government unit operating behind closed doors, actively obstructing transparency and restricting access to public information.

The Importance of Freedom of Information

Freedom of information laws have historically played a critical role in exposing government misconduct and waste. Thanks to these laws, taxpayers have learned about politicians claiming thousands of pounds for dubious items such as "duck houses" and moats, preventing abuse of public funds. Investigative journalists and ordinary citizens alike depend on freedom of information requests to uncover issues of public interest, ranging from local governance problems to nationwide crises. Without this transparency, these stories might never come to light.

A Secretive Unit Screening Information Requests

In a troubling development, it has been uncovered that a covert government unit has been set up to screen freedom of information requests before they are processed. This unit reportedly profiles journalists based on who they are, the media outlet they work for, and other factors to decide which information should be withheld. Such actions blatantly contradict both the letter and spirit of freedom of information laws. It undermines the public’s right to know and places political convenience above accountability.

Ministers have publicly denied the existence or current operation of such a unit, but clear evidence shows that government departments have been instructed to block or delay releasing sensitive information, particularly when the requester is a journalist or an investigative media outlet.

Life and Death Implications: The Jason Evans Case

This issue goes beyond bureaucratic obstacles to transparency—it can mean the difference between justice and cover-up, life and death. One poignant example is the story of Jason Evans, who has spent his life seeking answers about the tragic death of his father. His father was infected with HIV through contaminated blood received on the NHS, a scandal affecting thousands in Britain. Jason believes that this was a grave cover-up, where a known dangerous product was allowed into circulation, lives were lost, and accountability was systematically obstructed.

However, Jason’s attempts to access documents and uncover the truth were repeatedly blocked by the secretive government unit. Despite numerous requests, he has been denied the information necessary to understand what happened and to hold those responsible accountable. This denial of transparency perpetuates injustice and denies families like Jason’s the truth they desperately deserve.

Post-Grenfell Cover-ups and Other Efforts to Suppress Information

The problem is not isolated. Three and a half years after the devastating Grenfell Tower fire that claimed 72 lives, the government has been reportedly advising local authorities on how to withhold information about other buildings with similar dangerous cladding. Information that could save lives by prompting remedial safety action is being suppressed.

Journalists and independent organizations have also faced relentless battles to access taxpayer-funded research or government-held data on matters such as the impact of Brexit. These prolonged legal struggles are avoidable but become necessary due to increasing government secrecy.

Government Surveillance and Profiling of Journalists

A further revelation uncovered by investigative reporters shows that specific journalists are being profiled and monitored. For example, a reporter from an independent outlet discovered via a subject access request that government officials were discussing her in official documents simply because of the information she requested. This “watchlisting” is deeply concerning because it betrays the principles of impartiality and transparency underpinning the freedom of information system.

Why This Matters: Transparency is Democracy’s Lifeline

If citizens cannot access truthful, timely information about their government’s actions, democracy itself is at risk. Without transparency, governments can hide mistakes, evade consequences, and maintain policies that may harm the public. Information access is also critical for learning from crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Knowing what decisions were made, when, and by whom is essential for accountability and for preventing future failures.

Calls are growing louder for upgrading and strengthening freedom of information laws. Suggestions include extending transparency requirements not just to emails but to private communications on encrypted apps like WhatsApp, and expanding access rules to include private companies conducting government business. During crises, a multitude of politically connected private firms receive significant public money, yet operate without adequate public scrutiny.

What Can You Do?

The good news is that citizens are not powerless. Legal challenges are underway against the government’s secrecy practices. Thousands have already signed petitions demanding greater transparency and accountability. Supporting independent media outlets that fight for openness is crucial, as they are often at the forefront of exposing wrongdoings.

The fight for transparency is a collective responsibility. By raising awareness, engaging in campaigns, signing petitions, and supporting investigative journalism, we can push back against covert attempts to hide information from the public. Democracy thrives when its people are informed and empowered to question those in power.

Conclusion

The existence and actions of a covert government unit screening freedom of information requests starkly illustrate ongoing threats to the public’s right to know. Cases like Jason Evans’ and the Grenfell fire information suppression underscore the real-world consequences of this secrecy. Protecting and enhancing freedom of information laws is essential to ensure that governments remain accountable and transparent. Citizens must be vigilant and active in defending this right because, without it, democracy itself stands at risk of being overshadowed by silence and denial.

For more information and to support efforts to defend freedom of information, consider engaging with independent outlets and transparency campaigns advocating for open government.