Edward Williams v Information Commissioner & Anor

Edward Williams v Information Commissioner & Anor

Both section 27(1)(a) and section 35(1)(a) exemptions are engaged; disclosure would likely prejudice international relations and inhibit candid policy advice; the public interest in maintaining the exemptions outweighs the public interest in disclosure; the appeal is dismissed.

Parties
Appellant: Edward Williams; Respondent: Information Commissioner; Respondent: Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
11 October 2024
Procedural Posture
Freedom of Information Appeal / Final Judgment After Paper Determination
Outcome
Appeal dismissed
Legal Topics
Freedom of Information, International Relations Exemption, Government Policy Formulation Exemption, Public Interest Test
Information Law Administrative Law Public Law Freedom of Information International Relations Exemption Government Policy Formulation Exemption Public Interest Test

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Parties

Edward Williams

Appellant

Information Commissioner

Respondent

Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Freedom of Information Appeal / Final Judgment After Paper Determination

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether section 27(1)(a) (international relations) exemption applies to the requested information
  2. 2 Whether section 35(1)(a) (formulation and development of government policy) exemption applies to the requested information
  3. 3 Whether the public interest in maintaining the exemptions outweighs the public interest in disclosure

Ratio Decidendi

Both section 27(1)(a) and section 35(1)(a) exemptions are engaged; disclosure would likely prejudice international relations and inhibit candid policy advice; the public interest in maintaining the exemptions outweighs the public interest in disclosure; the appeal is dismissed.

Court Disposition

Appeal dismissed

Orders

  • The appeal is dismissed.