Correspondence relating to right wing extremist groups: FOI release

Information requested

All correspondence and communications since 01/09/2024 which relate to far-right/neo Nazi activity, and mentions of Blood and Honour.

Response

I enclose a copy of some of the information you requested ("mentions of Blood and Honour") in the format you asked for.

Please note that some of the information within scope of your request (far-right) is answered in your FOI 202500453168 request so under section 25(1) of FOISA, we do not have to give you information which is reasonably accessible to you. For that reason, under FOISA section 25(1), explained in more detail below, this is exempted from inclusion in this response.

Please note that some of the information within scope of your request (neo Nazi) is due to be released in FOI 202500452673, under section Section 27(1) of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA) we do have to disclose information if they already plan to publish it within the next 12 weeks – provided it is reasonable to delay disclosing the information until the planned date of publication.

You may find it helpful to know for future requests that information is filed and categorised on Scottish Government systems according to specific subject matter and that requests for information using standalone words or phrases can quickly exceed the upper cost limit. You may wish to consider reducing the scope of future requests by specifying, for example, particular meetings, dates or individuals which relate to your request for information. You may also find it helpful to consult the Scottish Information Commissioner’s ‘Tips for requesting information under FOI and the EIRs’ on their website at: https://www.foi.scot/how-do-i-ask

Exemptions apply, subject to the public interest test

Section 27(1): Information intended for future publication

An exemption in section 27(1) allows public authorities to refuse to disclose information if they already plan to publish it within the next 12 weeks – provided it is reasonable to delay disclosing the information until the planned date of publication. This will be published on the Publications - gov.scot .

Exemptions apply, not subject to the public interest test

Section 25(1) – information otherwise accessible

An exemption under section 25(1) of FOISA (Information otherwise accessible) applies to some of the information requested, as it can be reasonably obtained without asking for it under FOISA. 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. This information also comprises information supplied to you in your other FOI request.

Section 38(1)(b) – applicant has asked for personal data of a third party

An exemption under section 38(1)(b) of FOISA (personal information) applies to some of the information requested as it is personal data of a third party, i.e. names and contact details of individuals, and disclosing would contravene the data protection principles in Article 5(1) of the General Data Protection Regulation and in section 34(1) of the Data Protection Act 2018. This exemption has been applied where necessary throughout the response. 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.

Section 30 (c) – substantial prejudice to the effective conduct of public affairs

An exemption under section 30(c) of FOISA (substantial prejudice to the effective conduct of public affairs) applies to some of the information requested. Disclosing this information would substantially prejudice the work of the Scottish Government, stakeholders and partners. This would constitute substantial prejudice to the effective conduct of public affairs.

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. However, in this case, there is a greater public interest in protecting the effective conduct of public affairs without inhibition or constraint.

Section 28 – relations within the United Kingdom

An exemption under section 28 of FOISA (relations within the United Kingdom) applies to some of the information requested. Disclosure of this information would, or would be likely to, prejudice substantially relations between administrations in the UK (e.g. between Westminster and Holyrood).

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. However, in this case, there is a greater public interest in protecting work effectively and without inhibition or constraint.

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.

FOI 202500453173 - Information Released - Annex

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