Top news today: Scottish referendum, FoI, judge pensions
Author: Zoe Stavri
Published on Oct 10, 2012
In the news today, finalisation of the Scottish independence referendum, reports of rise of FoI breaches in Northern Ireland and judges threaten legal action over their pensions.
ALEX SALMOND AND DAVID CAMERON TO FINALISE SCOTTISH REFERENDUM ARRANGEMENTS NEXT WEEK- The Prime Minister and Scottish First Minister will meet in Edinburgh to finalise independence referendum arrangements next week. The deal is likely to include a single yes/no question, a vote in autumn 2014 and will allow 16 and 17 year olds to vote. Do any of these developments surprise you?
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/alex-salmond-and-david-cameron-to-finalise-scottish-referendum-arrangements-next-week-8204701.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-19892368
http://www.scotsman.com/the-scotsman/scottish-independence-deal-struck-for-single-question-referendum-in-autumn-2014-1-2566521
Our view: http://unlockdemocracy.org.uk/blog/entry/an-opportunity-to-allow-votes-at-16
SHARP RISE IN FOI BREACHES AT STORMONT- A report from the Northern Irish Assembly shows the number of freedom of information requests made to Stormont departments which are not responded to within 20 days has doubled. Why might governments be slow in responding to FoI requests?
http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/local/sharp-rise-in-foi-breaches-at-stormont-1-4346629
Our view: http://unlockdemocracy.org.uk/blog/entry/freedom-of-information-we-have-the-right-to-know1
JUDGES THREATEN COURT ACTION OVER CHANGES TO THEIR PENSIONS- Judges will bring legal action against ministers, saying changes to their pensions discriminate against women and minorities. Some say they would not have taken their lower-paid positions as judges were it not for the pension benefits.
http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/law/article3563421.ece