British group opposes information proposal

LONDON, Aug. 19 (UPI) -- The political organization Republic says the British government should not allow the royal family to use the Freedom of Information Act to avoid scrutiny.

Republic has openly opposed a government proposal that came about in the wake of allegations that Prince Charles attempted to exert control of certain National Trust architectural projects, The Times of London reported Wednesday.

The royal family is protected under the Freedom of Information Act, but public interest can result in the release of certain documents related to the royals.

Under a set of proposed rules, such releases would no longer be allowed. Proponents say that would help protect the political impartiality of Prince Charles and other royals.

But Republic member Graham Smith told The Times those proposed changes are unacceptable.

"For the government to claim that secrecy is needed to protect his impartiality is nonsense -- people have a right to know about his lobbying of departments. Impartiality has to be seen to exist and be proved," Smith said.