Top news today: lobbying, secrecy laws and RESPECT
Author: Zoe Stavri
Published on Sep 12, 2012
In the news today, a close relationship between the private sector and a minister exposed, proposals in Scotland to keep certain ministerial communications private, and new lobbying minister criticised by PR consultancies for matters unrelated to lobbying.
QUESTIONS OVER CLIMATE CHANGE MINISTER’S LINK TO HIS ADVISER - A freedom of information request has revealed climate change minister Greg Barker’s close relationship with energy consultant Miriam Maes, who he hired as a departmental consultant. Maes has encouraged Barker to meet with her clients. How can we ensure information like this comes to light earlier?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2012/sep/11/climate-change-minister-links-adviser
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9537324/Climate-change-minister-gave-adviser-preferential-access.html
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/ministers-link-to-adviser-in-spotlight-8126287.html
“ABSOLUTE SECRECY” LAW FOR ROYALS CRITICISED BY INFORMATION COMMISSIONER - Scotland’s Information Commissioner has criticised the Scottish government’s plans to keep communication between ministers and the royal family secret. Should the Royal Family be subject to transparency?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-19565565
HARSH WORDS FOR SMITH AS NEW LOBBY MINISTER - New Cabinet Office minister Chloe Smith will be responsible for overseeing the government’s preparation of a statutory lobbying register. A press release from PR consultancies’ professional body PRCA focused instead on her performance on Newsnight. We welcome Ms Smith to her new position and hope she takes action on the government commitment for a lobbying register soon!
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/harsh-words-for-smith-as-new-lobby-minister-8126240.html
YAQOOB QUITS AS RESPECT PARTY LEADER - Salma Yaqoob has stepped down from the leadership of Respect, and left the party, following George Galloway’s comments about rape. Why didn’t she have the authority as leader to discipline Galloway instead?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2012/sep/12/salma-yaqoob-quits-respect-leader
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-19565100
http://news.sky.com/story/984067/yaqoob-quits-respect-after-galloway-rape-row