The Daily Mail warned that a lengthy investigation exposing ‘the greed of public sector fat cats’ might not be possible in future if the Government weakens the Freedom of Information Act.

The Government is currently consulting on changes to the act amid widespread concern from campaigners that it wants to levy fees for requests, increase exemptions and bolster ministers’ right to veto disclosures.

More than 20,000 people have now signed a Press Gazette petition urging the Government not weaken the Freedom of Information Act.