MPs hide from public scrutiny

8.42.14pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 22nd May 2007

While much of Enfield is working to ensure the safety of Chase Farm Hospital, local MP Joan Ryan has cast her vote to make it impossible to know exactly where she stands on the issue.

MPs last week voted to exempt themselves from the Freedom of Information Act. Enfield Liberal Democrats were dismayed when not a single local MP voted against the bill.

Conservative and Labour MPs, including Enfield's own Joan Ryan, voted to prevent the public from seeing their advice or policy opinions, including letters to NHS professionals on the provision of local health services.

"We are disappointed that a local MP voted to keep this information hidden from the public." said Paul D. Smith of Enfield Liberal Democrats. "Given the importance of Chase Farm, it is shameful that we will no longer be able to confirm that our elected officials say the same thing to us that they say behind closed doors."

"I find the attitude of Joan Ryan, Andy Love and David Burrowes shocking. Liberal Democrats feel very strongly that this information should be kept public. MPs should not be shielded from public scrutiny."