FOI/202400422233 · FOI · partially withheld
Former Deputy First Minister What's App messages during the Covid 19 pandemic: FOI release
Information requested
John Swinney's WhatsApp messages during the Covid 19 pandemic.
Response
I have taken the period of your request to apply from 21 January 2020 when the World Health Organisation published its ‘Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Situation Report, up until 30 April 2022 when the then remaining Covid-19 restrictions were lifted in Scotland.
I enclose a copy of some of the information you requested.
Some of the information you have requested is available from the Scottish Government website or the UK Covid Inquiry website. Under section 25(1) of FOISA, we do not have to give you information which is already reasonably accessible to you.
Exemptions under sections 29(1)(b) and 30(a) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested as it relates to communications between Ministers.
This exemption is 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 exemption. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemption. 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 Ministers a private space within which issues can be explored andrefined to reach a decision that is sound and likely to be effective. This private thinking space also allows for all options to be properly considered, so that good decisions can be taken.
About FOI
The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at http://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.
Detected exemption language
Under section 25(1) of FOISA, we do not have to give you information which is already reasonably accessible to you. Exemptions under sections 29(1)(b) and 30(a) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested as it relates to communications between Ministers. This exemption is 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 exemption. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemption.