Revealed: Government refuses to publish details of meeting between Rishi Sunak and BP
Revealed: Government refuses to publish details of meeting between Rishi Sunak and BP
Remarkably No.10 claim publishing details of PM's discussion with BP on Net Zero is not in the "public interest" and "would be a gross intrusion into the protected space required for Ministers".
Earlier this year, the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak met with BP plc to discuss the firms investment in energy security and the “net zero transition”.
The meeting was recorded in the Cabinet office ministerial transparency data published quarterly by government.
I decided to submit a freedom of information request for a copy of the meeting minutes, agenda and any ministerial briefing documents issued to Rishi Sunak prior to the meeting.
But, No.10 refused my request claiming it was not in the “public interest” to release the requested documents.
Downing Street also claimed “disclosure would be a gross intrusion into the protected space required for Ministers and those they choose to advise them to consider policy”.
They did however confirm the PM met with “the CEO and the UK Head of Country of BP” - All other details were withheld.
The Twitter / X post revealing No.10’s refusal to hand over the meeting minutes between the PM and BP has now been viewed 1.2million times. There is a clear public interest in this information being published - Torchlight intends to appeal the decision.
A full copy of the initial response received from government can be downloaded here:
We have now received a response from the Cabinet Office following our appeal. You can read it in full here:
