Tynwald 'holds back' on Freedom bill claim

Tynwald is "holding back" on bringing the Freedom of Information Act to the island, according to a pressure group.

The Positive Action Group (PAG) hopes to "nudge the issue to the top of the political agenda" with a public debate.

The chief minister said the government was committed to introducing the act but admitted progress had been "slower than anticipated".

PAG's Roger Tomlinson said: "Despite promising a Freedom of Information Act, our government still holds back.

He added: "Obtaining and imparting accurate information is a vital part of the modern political process."

If passed the bill, which was introduced in the United Kingdom in 2005, will strengthen the public's rights to access government files.

The PAG meeting will be held on Wednesday 23 February at the Claremont Hotel in Douglas.