The award-winning actor Michael Sheen says government plans that could restrict Freedom of Information laws are a “full frontal attack” on the public’s right to know.

The KM Group is, along with many other media organisations, campaigning against possible changes to the law.

There are fears a review of the existing legislation could lead to changes making it easier for public bodies to refuse requests for information.

Mr Sheen said the government review could lead to a weaker “right to know.”

In an article for the News Media Association, the group that represents the interests of national and regional newspapers, the actor writes:

“The Freedom of Information Act enshrines our right to know. It gives us the right to the information that we want to know, not what the Government is prepared to let us see.”

“It’s that information that gives us the ability to make informed decisions and to voice opinions on those decisions. It sounds so simple but it is so important.”

The public right to know “is a principle that underpins our ability to shape the world we live in,” he adds.

“The Freedom of Information Act enshrines our right to know. It gives us the right to the information that we want to know, not what the Government is prepared to let us see" - Michael Sheen

“When the public right to know is not upheld, government, at both a national and local level, becomes opaque and removed from the very people it is meant to serve.”

“I am mystified by the politicians who apparently have such great difficulty in grasping the importance of the public right to know and the ability of the citizen to access information.”

He continues: “The consultation on the Freedom of Information Act, currently being undertaken by an “independent commission” appointed by the Government, is nothing short of a full frontal attack on these principles.”

He warns that if restrictions are imposed “then the right of you and I to understand the workings of our democracy will be seriously damaged."

"Newspaper journalism, whether local or national, has used FOI to hold the government to account on everything from MPs’ expenses to staff shortages in the NHS.”

A commission has been set up to advise the government on whether the law effectively balances the public interest with the burden dealing with FOI requests places on public bodies.

Among options are introducing charges for requests and tightening the grounds on which requests can be refused.

Details of the review and how to respond to consultation can be found here.

Cuts in mental health budgets; payouts to the NHS and council bosses and how a Kent Police chief expressed concerns over an Op Stack lorry park....

These are just some examples of how the KM Group has effectively used Freedom of Information rights to bring you stories.