The news this morning that the information commissioner has ruled in favour of disclosure of royal correspondence could have profound repercussions for the monarchy and the British constitution.When the Freedom of Information Act was introduced the monarchy was simply not recognised as a public body, so the remit of the act failed to get past the gates of Buckingham Palace. Correspondence between the palace and public authorities that are covered by the act was exempted under section 37. There was, however, a public interest test, meaning that if it could be demonstrated that it was in the public interest to release information then the information must be released.
The news this morning that the information commissioner has ruled in favour of disclosure of royal correspondence could have profound repercussions for the monarchy and the British constitution.
When the Freedom of Information Act was introduced the monarchy was simply not recognised as a public body, so the remit of the act failed to get past the gates of Buckingham Palace. Correspondence between the palace and public authorities that are covered by the act was exempted under section 37. There was, however, a public interest test, meaning that if it could be demonstrated that it was in the public interest to release information then the information must be released.
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Somewhat fortunate for the British political system the Liz and Chuck are political doofi. If they had played their cards better, establishing a base, and so on they might have been able to parley themselves into being power brokers or even major players.
So - not primary players, but they have vast piles of cash, property and contacts, which shouldn't be underestimated, and which make anything as vulgar as a party machine somewhat redundant.
