The British government has backed down on its attempt to exempt MPs expenses from the Freedom of Information Act. Instead, the vote (which Labour MPs were being whipped into supporting) has been cancelled. So, the people won, and UK democracy campaigners will still be able to use the FOIA to impose accountability on MPs after all.
The MySociety blog has more, stressing the role of the internet in organising and coordinating opposition to the change. According to them,
there’s no such thing as a good day to bury bad news any more, the Internet has seen to that.I think they're right. And its possible because people believe their voice counts and groups like MySociety have built the tools allowing those voices to be heard and allowing them to rapidly and effectively make their views known to politicians.
Now, if only the british government would be as reponsive on the big issues, like climate change and waging war, rather than just the little things like freedom of information...
