King Charles may face greater public scrutiny under a proposed reform bill. The measure would remove longstanding Freedom of Information exemptions. Supporters argued the changes would increase transparency around royal affairs. Critics questioned whether this proposal could gain enough political support.
New bill would remove King Charles’ Freedom of Information exemptions
As per reports from Byline Times, Green MP Siân Berry introduced the proposed legislation this week. The bill would amend the Freedom of Information Act 2000. It would remove special exemptions covering the monarch and heirs. Royal communications could become subject to public information requests.
Current rules shield King Charles and the next heirs entirely. The exemption also covers communications involving government officials. Unlike many public bodies, the monarchy faces limited disclosure requirements. Critics have long argued that the protections are outdated.
Berry said she was shocked by the extent of royal exemptions. She argued that monarchy should face similar scrutiny. The proposal would also cover the Royal Household and archives. Royal-linked institutions would face broader transparency obligations.
The bill followed years of criticism from researchers and historians. Royal biographer Andrew Lownie described repeated difficulties in obtaining records. He claimed many requests faced extensive delays and redactions. Some materials reportedly remain unavailable for decades.
Lownie also alleged officials blocked requests using multiple exemptions. He said even non-sensitive references were sometimes removed. According to him, released documents often arrived heavily censored. Those claims fueled calls for greater public access.
Supporters have argued that transparency could improve accountability across royal institutions. The proposal has backing from several MPs. It also received support from the National Union of Journalists. However, the bill still faces significant political hurdles.
A government spokesperson has shared that officials were not considering changes. The government currently supports retaining Section 37 protections. Without government backing, the proposal faces difficult odds. Nevertheless, the debate has renewed scrutiny over royal secrecy.
TELL US – SHOULD THE ROYAL FAMILY FACE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUESTS? WOULD GREATER TRANSPARENCY BENEFIT THE MONARCHY?
