Transparency - the hallmark of honesty

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If secrecy is the badge of dishonesty, in the memorable phrase of Millet J in Agip v Jackson (sup) at 294, the converse is true: transparency is the hallmark of honesty.

The seven principles of public life include:

Holders of public office are accountable to the public for their  decisions and actions and must submit themselves to the scrutiny  necessary to ensure this.

Holders of public office should act and take decisions in an open and  transparent manner. Information should not be withheld from the public  unless there are clear and lawful reasons for so doing.