The Home Office has announced that the power of the Information Commissionerwill be strengthened by amendments to the Freedom of Information Bill to betabled by the Government. This announcement follows pressure from many regional daily papers – including the Nottingham
Bob Satchwell
What we have written about Bob Satchwell
Briefing on 'extraordinary' failings of information bill
The Campaign for Freedom of Information has produced a new briefing on the failings in the FOI Bill, which will shortly have its Report Stage debate in the House of Commons. The Campaign says the Bill is biased against disclosure
MPs join battle against council secrecy
The Parliamentary battle against more secrecy in local government is growing. Sixty-three MPs have signed an Early Day Motion calling on the Government to make sure that the introduction of Westminster-style cabinets will not allow councils to operate in more
Secrecy breeds suspicion
Local government reforms were in danger of missing their target unlessmeetings were held in public, Labour councillors and party activists were warned. Bob Satchwell, executive director of the Society of Editors, told a fringe meeting at the Labour Local Governance
Life-saving operation for former editor's wife
Society of Editors director Bob Satchwell has a special reason to back media appeals for kidney donors, after wife Michele underwent a life-saving operation. As an editor, Bob often ran stories appealing to readers to carry organ donor cards. But
Plans for inquest reporting restriction powers prompt industry concerns
Editors warn proposals could be abused and would restrict public’s right to know
Prosecutors set to release information to the press
New guidelines will open up justice system with release of information surrounding court cases
Public bodies 'not ready' for Freedom of Information
Some public bodies are unlikely to be ready for all the demands of the new Freedom of Information Act when it becomes law in the New Year, according to a parliamentary report. The idea was that all authorities should open
Herald fined £1,500 over picture of youth
The Plymouth Evening Herald has been fined £1,500 after a court ruled that a photograph published in the paper identified a 15-year-old boy – even though it was partially blacked out. The newspaper had denied a summons, under Section 49
Anonymity to be removed on ASBOs, says Home Secretary
Moves to end automatic reporting restrictions on young people subject to anti-social behaviour orders have been announced by the Home Secretary, David Blunkett. The proposals form part of the Anti-Social Behaviour White Paper Respect and Responsibility. It would mean newspapers
Review could close inquests to press
A review is under way which could close some inquests to the press and public. The Government is examining proposals that might better serve the needs of the modern public, give bereaved families better rights, and provide professionals with better
Editors move on freedom of information
Editors are being urged to write letters to the Lord Chancellor about reports that the Freedom of Information Act might be delayed for several years. Instead of phasing in the right of access to information from 2002, it is feared
Help for reporters and magistrates
New guidelines on reporting restrictions in magistrates’ courts are about to be issued to courts and editors. They are being sent out by the Society of Editors after the success of a similar document last year covering the crown courts.
Help arrives at court
Magistrates and their clerks are being sent advice on when they should apply reporting restrictions, thanks to an initiative from the Society of Editors. It follows a move last year when similar documents were sent to crown court judges. The
Sussex S39 case:An industry view
Page 1 of 2 Society of Editors executive director Bob Satchwell said editors were extremely aware of their duty to protect children, and said cases such as the one in Sussex could pose a threat to open justice. “It is
Fresh Govt consultation on FOI to ask: 'Should we change Act at all?'
Call for more reaction from members of the public, public authorities and the media