Secrecy on Feudal Legislative Veto Challenged

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Britain’s Information Commissioner has ruled that a secret official guide to feudal practices in Britain’s deeply flawed democracy must be published. The guide advises civil servants on getting the consent of the Windsor clan before proposing changes to laws that might affect their private interests.

The Commissioner has given the Cabinet Office until 25 September to publish the guide. According to the Guardian newspaper it gives details of the criteria government ministers should use to decide whether Windsor permission is needed before a law can be changed.

Charles Windsor, son of the hereditary head of state, was asked to give permission for twelve new laws in the last two sessions of parliament. This is required because of his control of the Duchy of Cornwall, public assets from which he takes a £17m annual income.

The government is resisting publication, claiming that it would breach the right of publicly employed lawyers to keep their advice confidential.

The guide was brought to light by researcher John Kirkhope. He told the Guardian that the “evidence he had gathered suggested the process of seeking royal consent for draft bills was not a mere formality. ‘The correspondence indicates that the effects of the bills are explained to the royal household, including the Duchy of Cornwall, discussions ensue and if necessary changes are made to proposed legislation’ he said. ‘Departments of state have fought to avoid releasing correspondence which gives some hint of how the process works’ “.


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