BBC

The complainant has requested copies of legal advice that the BBC sought in relation to Gary Lineker. The BBC relied on section 42 of FOIA (legal professional privilege) to withhold the information. The Commissioner’s decision is that the BBC was entitled to rely on section 42 of FOIA and the balance of the public interest favours maintaining that exemption. The BBC breached sections 10 and 17 of FOIA as it failed to respond to the request within 20 working days.
The Commissioner does not require further steps to be taken.