Correspondence sent to First Minister regarding the holding of a second independence referendum: FOI release

You asked for:

‘Any correspondence (emails, letter or otherwise) sent to Nicola Sturgeon in 2018 from SNP members regarding the holding of a second independence referendum.’

We have identified 4 letters sent to Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister, 2018 which mention the holding of a second independence referendum in Scotland and where the correspondents have identified themselves as members of the SNP. You should note that the Scottish Government is unable to verify their membership, or not, of the SNP. Copies of these letters attached. Please note that some of the contents of these letters which do not relate to the holding of a second referendum have been redacted as being outwith the scope of your request.

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, we have to make some redactions because exemptions under section s. 38 (1)(b) (personal information) of FOISA apply to that information. The reasons why these exemptions apply are explained below.

Reasons for not providing information

Personal information.

An exemption under section 38 (1)(b) of FOISA (personal information) applies to some of the information requested because it is personal data of a third party, i.e. names and contact details of individuals, and disclosing it would contravene data protection provisions. Redaction of email addresses of recipients and copy recipients have been made as appropriate.

This exemption is not subject to the ‘public interest test,’ so we are not required to consider if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption.