Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 22 September 2026 to Question 29244 on Home Office: Freedom of Information, whether anticipated adverse media coverage or reputational impact forms part of the criteria for referring a proposed Freedom of Information response to the Communications Directorate or special advisers.

The potential for information to attract further scrutiny or significant media interest is one of multiple factors which may be taken into account when considering whether a proposed Freedom of Information response should be referred for further review but is categorically not a factor in determining whether and/or what information is disclosed. Communications staff and special advisers may provide advice and input, but decisions on the application of the Freedom of Information Act and the disclosure of information are taken in accordance with the Department’s delegated decision-making arrangements.