THE story about the recent appeal court judgment in favour of Mr Joe Whittaker, instructing the University of Bolton to answer all FOI’s within 35 days from the judgement is no surprise.
Truth will always come out, and the persistence of Joe Whittaker is commendable. The University the article states is “astonished that the tribunal was persuaded by Joe’s assertions”. The University was given opportunity to be present at the Tribunal, but declined. The Judge was not persuaded, but did his duty in analysing the presented evidence/oral evidence from Mr Whittaker, before making a clearly well thought through decision.
The fact is, the University and Information commissioner lost the case. Their wording sounds like sour grapes. Clear/precise information about all publicly funded institutions, should be available to the public. Democracy and justice have worked in this instance.
As for Mr Whittaker’s character, he is a man of integrity and honour. A rarity in this day and age. I was fortunate enough to be one of Joe’s students in the early 1990’s and then a colleague at BIHE/pre UoB for many years. What an inspirational man he is.
Well done Joe, now answer the questions UoB.
Rosie Adamson-Clark
Bolton
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