Secretary of State for Defence (Ministry of Defence)

The complainant submitted a request to the Ministry of Defence (MOD) seeking information about a number of defence projects. The MOD provided some of the information requested but sought to withhold the remainder on the basis of sections 24 (national security), 26 (defence) and 27 (international relations). The Commissioner’s decision is that the withheld information is exempt from disclosure on the basis of sections 24(1) and 27(1)(a), and that the public interest favours maintaining each exemption. The Commissioner does not require further steps.