Re last RT: making the ombudsman a good tool for systematic investigation (with good links to casework, but not an MP filter) - would be a good idea www.mysociety.org/2024/12/04/t...
It’s been a remarkable few weeks and this morning we’ve just hit 300 pledges 👏🏼
We wanted to share some of the messages we’ve received along the way. They’ve meant a huge amount.
Ok, so a few things to flag this week on foreign trips and freebies:
More on our open letter collection www.mysociety.org/2025/10/21/s...
“Freedom of information only works if you can find it”
So why don’t gov depts proactively publish it? Then they won’t need to respond to requests.
#FOIFest
The afternoon session of #FOIFest kicks off with the Scottish Information Commissioner 👇
Top tips - explain why you want the info. Don’t be afraid to show your credentials. As George said, keep a good spreadsheet. #FOIFest
Number 1 - don’t be afraid to appeal if you think you’re onto something. The system is there to use.
Number 2 - play the long game. Focus requests on something that will still be a story in 12-18 months. #FOIFest
"Corruption prospers when there's an information asymmetry" @rosewhiff.bsky.social #FOIFest
Now @rosewhiff.bsky.social from @anticorruption.bsky.social explaining her aspect is broader, how #FOI fits into an anti corruption toolbox. FOI has shifted public expectations around transparency and built momentum to better govt transparency. #FOIFest
Maurice Frankel talking about the significance of the FOI Act coming into fruition 21 years ago
And amusing anecdotes about the resistance of some in government back then to new resultant powers
#FOIFest
A cluster of signs stating the importance of FOI
Reception desk all set up, with mySociety staff behind it
We’re all ready for #FOIFest! Stay tuned for conference photos and highlights ✨
It's #FOIFest day! I'm out front wearing bright green, you can't miss me!
This is an absolutely fascinating article.
Itching for there to be deep analysis across MPs case loads. So much that could be learned for improving public services. @alexparsons.bsky.social nails it when talking about failure demand.
Good overview of the workload on staff and MPs, and what the role of the MP is/could/should be.
I prioritise dealing with casework quickly over replying to policy emails because e.g. helping a person access disability support is more important to me...
1/?
To expand a bit on the fragmented ombudsman point here - I think this is an area where "MPs shouldn't be doing casework" and "actually this is a key part of their role" imply pretty much the same practical steps.
“It should not take a US federal investigation into a convicted sex offender to reveal how UK government policy is being shaped behind closed doors.” Read more in my opinion piece for @transparencyuk.bsky.social about the Mandelson/Epstein emails www.transparency.org.uk/news/mandels...
A screenshot showing a table of dates with sunset and sunrise times
find out your local daylight dates using this lovely website from @dracos.co.uk
dracos.co.uk/made/sunligh...
☀️ today is the first day of 10 hours daylight in leeds and it's only 4 weeks until 12 hours of daylight!! ☀️
We've un-postponed (counter-countermanded?) these elections in our system and will be covering them as usual.
We’re launching a new independent newspaper for Leeds - funded by readers.
If you want better local journalism in Leeds, this is how it starts.
👉 Pledge your support: leeds.ghost.io
Happy FOI Fest week!
Come and join us this Thursday, 19 February, at Birkbeck College, London and online, as we think about what freedom of information has achieved to date, where it goes next, and benefit from lightning talks and skills shares
pretix.eu/mysociety/fo...
Lovely shoutout to our election leaflets database from Prof. Rob! You can upload leaflets yourself at: electionleaflets.org
Fascinating- under current rules, all ministers' meetings should be registered. And all consultant lobbyists, like Global Counsel, have to register with the official Registrar and declare all instances of lobbying ministers and perm secs.
So is this acceptance that the current schemes don't work?
The bill will also stop foreign companies offering high-value gifts to MPs, who will not be able to accept them unless they are below £2,230. There have been multiple instances of politicians accepting luxury gifts or hospitality worth significant amounts from foreign states or businesses. “The flow of foreign cash into British politics ends here,” a departmental source said. “Politicians won’t be able to take gifts above a very low threshold. This will protect our democracy from interference and make it more transparent than ever.”
This is obviously better than nothing, but is not a "very low" threshold! www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
We've created all the May 2026 elections in our system. 4,357 English councillors are scheduled for election, across 107 councils. This is in addition to six local authority mayors and the Scottish and Welsh parliaments.
Find out if you have an election at whocanivotefor.co.uk
Given the main parliamentary rule about what you can and can't do is "you have to write it down", just a really low bar not being met here.
My quote in this important article:
