FOI/202500449491 · FOI · partially withheld
Briefings on Type 26 Frigates: FOI release
Information requested
1. Copies of internal correspondence (e.g., emails or memos) from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2024 that discuss or mention the Type 26 frigates.
2. Copies of any briefings, presentations, or reports prepared for meetings involving Ministers, Civil Servants, or stakeholders that reference the Type 26 frigates during the same timeframe.
Following a clarification request, you confirmed that you are content for your request “..to focus exclusively on briefing documents or presentations prepared internally that discuss the benefits of the Type 26 and Type 31 programmes to Scotland and Scottish industry.”
Response
I attach a copy of the information requested relevant to the Type 26 Programme - please see Supporting Document 1.
A separate response, FOI 202500449493, has been issued to you regarding Type 31 Programme.
While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance we are unable to provide some of the information you have requested under the following exemptions of FOISA and FOIA that apply to sections of the information:
Exemptions under sections 30(b)(i) and 30(b)(ii) of FOISA (free and frank advice and exchange of views) apply to some of the information requested. These exemptions apply because disclosure would, or would be likely to, inhibit substantially the free and frank provision of advice and exchange of views for the purposes of deliberation. The exemptions recognise the need for Ministers to have a private space within which to seek advice and views from officials. These exemptions are subject to the ‘public interest test’. Therefore, taking account of all the circumstances of this case, we have considered if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemptions. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemptions. We recognise that there is a public interest in disclosing information as part of open, transparent and accountable government, and to inform public debate. However, there is a greater public interest in allowing a private space within which officials can provide free and frank advice and views to Ministers.
Some information has been withheld because it is out of the scope of your request.
Additionally, some of the information you have requested is available through the following FOI publication:
Scottish Government attendees at HMS Sheffield steel cutting ceremony: FOI release - gov.scot
Under section 25(1) of FOISA, we do not have to give you information which is already reasonably accessible to you. If, however, you do not have internet access to obtain this information from the website listed, then please contact me again and I will send you a paper copy.
About FOI
The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at https://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.
Detected exemption language
While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance we are unable to provide some of the information you have requested under the following exemptions of FOISA and FOIA that apply to sections of the information: Exemptions under sections 30(b)(i) and 30(b)(ii) of FOISA (free and frank advice and exchange of views) apply to some of the information requested. These exemptions apply because disclosure would, or would be likely to, inhibit substantially the free and frank provision of advice and exchange of views for the purposes of deliberation. The exemptions recognise the need for Ministers to have a private space within which to seek advice and views from officials. These exemptions are subject to the ‘public interest test’. Therefore, taking account of all the circumstances of this case, we have considered if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemptions.