ICO Decision Notice: Cabinet Office FOI Exemptions for Saudi Visit

ICO Decision Notices

Filed March 6th, 2026

Detected March 10th, 2026

Summary

The ICO has issued a decision notice regarding the Cabinet Office's use of FOI exemptions for information related to a visit to Saudi Arabia. The ICO found that while some exemptions were valid, others were not, and ordered the disclosure of specified information.

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What changed

The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has issued a decision notice (IC-368793-P0P9) concerning the Cabinet Office's withholding of information related to a visit to Saudi Arabia in May 2024. The Cabinet Office claimed exemptions under sections 24 (national security), 27 (international relations), and 35 (government policy) of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The ICO's decision partially upholds the Cabinet Office's claims, finding that while some exemptions were justified, others were not. The ICO has mandated the disclosure of specific information detailed in a confidential annex.

This decision implies that government bodies must carefully justify their use of FOI exemptions, particularly concerning national security, international relations, and government policy. Public authorities are required to disclose information unless a compelling case for exemption can be made and substantiated. The Cabinet Office must now comply with the ICO's order to release the specified information, demonstrating a need for rigorous adherence to FOI principles and potentially impacting how sensitive government information is handled and disclosed in the future.

What to do next

Review the ICO decision notice IC-368793-P0P9 regarding FOI exemptions.
Assess current practices for applying FOI exemptions, particularly sections 24, 27, and 35.
Ensure justification for withheld information is robust and aligns with ICO guidance.

Source document (simplified)

Cabinet Office

Date 6 March 2026
Sector Central government
Decision(s) FOI 24: Partly upheld, FOI 27: Partly upheld, FOI 35: Partly upheld The complainant has requested information provided to the then Deputy Prime Minister in connection with a visit to Saudi Arabia in May 2024. The Cabinet Office withheld all of the requested information on the basis of the exemptions at section 24 (national security), section 27(1)(a), (c) and (d) (international relations), section 35(1)(a) (government policy), and section 35(1)(d) (Ministerial private offices) of FOIA. The Commissioner’s decision is that the Cabinet Office was entitled to rely on the exemptions claimed in respect of some, but not all of the withheld information. The Commissioner requires the public authority to disclose the information specified in the confidential annex.