Straw backtracks after attack on FoI watchdog

Jack Straw, the leader of the House of Commons, has been forced to apologise for remarks criticising the independent watchdog who regulates the Freedom of Information Act. His apology marks the latest development in an increasingly bitter dispute between MPs and information campaigners over plans to remove Parliament from the legislation.

Mr Straw had accused the Information Commissioner, Richard Thomas, of frustrating the intention behind the FoI Act when he said in a Commons debate last week: "The way in which some journalists and the Information Commissioner are acting means that the intention of the Act is not being met in practice."

In a brief statement to the House yesterday, Mr Straw conceded that his comments were "ambiguous" and could have implied that Mr Thomaswas acting beyond his statutory responsibilities.

"He has not done that in any way and he has made no rulings in respect of MPs' correspondence. The Commissioner does a very difficult job very well and I'd like, in the circumstances, to offer my sincere apologies to him."

Mr Thomas welcomed the apology, adding: "With a presumption of disclosure, FoI inevitably brings changes to the way government works. But it is essential that I and my office are, and are seen to be, both responsible and robust in... applying the law independently and impartially."

Today MPs are to vote on a backbench Bill which, if successful, would exempt Parliament from the FoI Act. Championed by the Tory former chief whip David Maclean, it has quietly gatheredmomentum, leading to accusations that Labour and the Conservatives have been tacitly backing it.

MPs who have declared their support argue that the amendment is necessary to protect the confidentiality of correspondence with their constituents. But opposition groups say that MPs are simply trying to protect themselves from embarrassing disclosures.