BNP uses Freedom of Information Act over potential ban

The British National Party (BNP) has submitted a request under the Freedom of Information Act to the Home Office, following last week’s revelation in Personnel Today that the Civil Service was planning a ban on employing members of far-right political groups.

We reported that high-level discussions involving Sir John Gieve, permanent secretary at the Home Office, and other senior civil servants had taken place to discuss a potential ban. These discussions were confirmed by a Home Office spokesperson.

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A BNP official told Personnel Today that the party was seeking clarification about what the talks involved and any potential outcome. He described any ban as a “blatant infringement of civil liberties”.

The Freedom of Information Act gives anyone the right to access information held by public authorities, including central government. Under the Act, the Home Office has 20 working days to respond to a written request.