An expert from the BBC is to give a talk about freedom of information legislation at a public meeting.
The Positive Action Group (PAG) has been campaigning for a Freedom of Information Act since the group started in 2006.
Is next public meeting will be entitled ‘Freedom of Information - What the Isle of Man is Missing!’
The BBC’s Martin Rosenbaum will speak on Monday, September 30, 7.30pm at the Manx Legion Club, Douglas.
Mr Rosenbaum is a BBC news specialist in using the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act.
He trains and advises BBC journalists on FoI, and has addressed international conferences on journalism and Freedom of Information.
He is an executive producer in the BBC political programmes department, overseeing a variety of radio programming. He produces radio documentaries on topics ranging from the inside story of Gordon Brown’s premiership to the politics of The Simpsons.
Mr Rosenbaum will present his thoughts on FoI, the issues it raises, the changes it is causing, the stories that resultant what it could mean for the Isle of Man.
PAG spokesman Roger Tomlinson said: ‘The PAG has campaigned long and hard for FoI and we are delighted that the Manx government is introducing a Draft FoI Bill at the end of this year.
‘Martin Rosenbaum has many years experience of using FoI legislation as a journalist and is acknowledged as the BBC’s expert.
‘We are indeed very fortunate that Martin has agreed to come to the Isle of Man - he follows in the footsteps of other distinguished FoI speakers the PAG has brought across - Heather Brooke and Maurice Frankel.
‘There is no doubt that since 2006 government has opened up a lot, so the final significant step will be for the public to have the statutory right to ask for information. An FoI Act will provide that.’
Admission is free and the audience will be able to join in the discussion.
{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/politics/freedom-of-information-legislation-on-way-1-1771736|We were promised FoI in the Isle of Man back in 2008. Click here for a reminder of that story.}
{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/allan-bell-s-freedom-of-information-pledge-1-5837696|Chief Minister’s Freedom of Information pledge}
{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/manx-government-has-no-money-for-freedom-of-information-legislation-1-5888708|Government minister’s fears over the cost to the taxpayer of FoI}
One of Tony Blair’s biggest regrets as prime minister of the UK was the introduction of the Freedom of Information Act under his premiership.
In his memoirs, he berated himself about its introduction, saying: ‘You idiot. You naive, foolish, irresponsible nincompoop. There is really no description of stupidity, no matter how vivid, that is adequate. I quake at the imbecility of it.’
{http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2010/sep/01/tony-blair-memoirs-anger-unions|Click here for a reminder of that story}