Media wins right to access BAE legal documents

Posted on 5 Feb 2008 by The Manufacturer

The Financial Times has won its case calling for public access to government-blocked court documents, having been denied in its request to view details of the Serious Fraud Office probe into BAE Systems’ suspected bribery of Saudi Arabian officials.

The government’s strive to keep legal documents secret was described by High Court judge Mr Justice Collins as “illogical” and lacking justification.

Dan Tench, lawyer for the Financial Times, said that the ruling would allow fairer checks to be made on government conduct.