DURING its decade in power New Labour has introduced hundreds of new laws. Some of them we have welcomed, some we have opposed. The Freedom of Information Act is firmly among the former.

FOI was a long time in coming. As a new piece of legislation it is far from perfect. What it provides, however, is the foundation stone for openness within the nation's public bodies.

It is, in effect, an anti-secrecy law.

Last week MPs voted to exempt themselves from such a law. Among them was Worcester MP Mike Foster.

Supporters of the Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill, introduced by the former Conservative chief whip David Maclean, say the changes protect the confidentiality and privacy of their constituents. They fear that personal letters sent to MPs by their constituents can be made public under the current FOI legislation.

They're wrong. The current Act contains confidentiality clauses, particularly when the Data Protection Act also covers documents.

If they're not robust enough why not just beef up these clauses?

The answer to that question lies in the reality of what exempting themselves from FOI legislation really means for MPs. And it means that their expenses will not be open to public scrutiny.

That is shameful.

MPs should be the most accountable people in the country. They are elected by the people to serve the people. They are paid from the public purse. The public, therefore, has a right to know how its money is being spent.

Prime minister elect Gordon Brown says he believes in open government.

It is a belief that does not appear to be shared by his fellow MPs.