Record number of Government files kept secret in ‘affront to our democratic ideals’

‘Whitehall departments have refused to release sensitive historical documents on issues including the UK’s military relationship with Saudi Arabia and a royal visit to the Middle East.
A record number of files were withheld from release to the National Archives, raising concerns about the Government’s approach to transparency.
Departments applied to withhold 986 documents from 1986 and 1987 which were due to be released, The Times reported.
The papers should have gone to the National Archives in Kew, south-west London, and been made available for public inspection under the so-called 30-year rule, but officials can request that files stay secret if publication would undermine foreign relations, defence or security.
According to the newspaper, the documents included 40 connected to India, including files on UK defence sales and the Indian national security guard.
A further 15 relate to Saudi Arabia, including one on the “sale of Tornado and Hawk aircraft” and “training for Saudi Arabian special forces”.’
Read more: Record number of Government files kept secret in ‘affront to our democratic ideals’