On October 6, The Times reported that “councils across the country are seeking to evade scrutiny by restricting media access to meetings”. In a letter published in the paper on October 9, Alistair Lexden called for action to toughen legislation instigated by a newly elected woman MP who would become one of the greatest British prime ministers.
Sir, In her maiden speech in 1960 moving the second reading of her Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Bill, Margaret Thatcher said “publicity is the greatest and most effective check against any arbitrary action” by local authorities. The Tory benches today are packed with her self-proclaimed admirers. They should strengthen the law which she put on the statute book nearly 60 years ago to ensure that councils cannot escape rigorous press scrutiny (report and leader, Oct. 6).
Lord Lexden
House of Lords