MOD contact with the media, revealed in "Review of the Defence Communication Directorate's response to Declassified UK"

The request was partially successful.

Dear Ministry of Defence,

I would like information pursuant to the corporate report "Review of the Defence Communication Directorate's response to Declassified UK" (published 7th December 2020 https://www.gov.uk/government/publicatio...).

In said report, it is revealed that '[…] the Directorate was simultaneously providing both a “line to take” and background briefings to the Daily Telegraph, BBC and the Daily Mirror.'

I would like to know the following information:

1. the full detail of the specified "line to take":
a. Who provided it.
b. Who received it.
c. In what format was it provided.
d. It's content.

2. the nature and content of the background briefings, including:
a. Who provided them.
b. Who received them.
c. In what format were they provided.
d. Their content.

3. In both cases who (both inside and outside of the Defense Communication Directorate) was consulted or communicated with (in any capacity), in relation to the "line to take" and the briefings?

If some parts of this request are easier to answer than others, I would ask that you release the available data as soon as possible.

If you need any clarification then please do not hesitate to contact me. Under Section 16 it is your duty to provide advice and assistance and so I would expect you to contact me if you find this request unmanageable in any way.

I would be grateful if you could confirm in writing that you have received this request, and I look forward to hearing from you within the 20-working day statutory time period.

Yours faithfully,
Mr Robinson

DDC-Secretariat Parliamentary (MULTIUSER), Ministry of Defence

Dear Mr Robinson

 

This email is to acknowledge receipt of your FOI response below dated 19
September 2021.  Your reference number is FOI2021/10607 and a response is
due to be sent to you by 18 October 2021.   If you have any queries
relating to your request please quote the reference number provided. 

 

Dear Ministry of Defence,

 

I would like information pursuant to the corporate report "Review of the
Defence Communication Directorate's response to Declassified UK"
(published 7th December 2020
[1]https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlo...).

 

In said report, it is revealed that '[…] the Directorate was
simultaneously providing both a “line to take” and background briefings to
the Daily Telegraph, BBC and the Daily Mirror.'

 

I would like to know the following information:

 

1. the full detail of the specified "line to take":

 

    a. Who provided it.

 

    b. Who received it.

 

    c. In what format was it provided.

 

    d. It's content.

 

2. the nature and content of the background briefings, including:

 

    a. Who provided them.

 

    b. Who received them.

 

    c. In what format were they provided.

 

    d. Their content.

 

3. In both cases who (both inside and outside of the Defense Communication
Directorate) was consulted or communicated with (in any capacity), in
relation to the "line to take" and the briefings?

 

If some parts of this request are easier to answer than others, I would
ask that you release the available data as soon as possible.

 

If you need any clarification then please do not hesitate to contact me.
Under Section 16 it is your duty to provide advice and assistance and so I
would expect you to contact me if you find this request unmanageable in
any way.

 

I would be grateful if you could confirm in writing that you have received
this request, and I look forward to hearing from you within the 20-working
day statutory time period.

 

Yours faithfully,

 

Mr Robinson

 

Regards

 

DDC-Secretariat Manager

Ground Floor Zone B

MOD Main Building

London

SW1A 2HB

 

Currently working partly from home partly in the office.

 

This e-mail and any files transmitted with it are confidential and
intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is
addressed.  If you are not the intended recipient or there are problems
please notify the sender and then delete the e-mail (and file(s) if
attached) from your system.  Recipients should note that e-mail traffic on
MOD systems is subject to monitoring, recording and auditing to secure the
effective operation of the system and for other lawful purposes.  The MOD
has taken steps to keep this e-mail and any attachments free from
viruses.  However it accepts no liability for any loss or damage howsoever
caused as a result of any virus being passed on.  It is the responsiblity
of the recipient to perform all necessary checks.

 

References

Visible links
1. https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlo...

Frost, Vivienne C1 (DDC-Secretariat Manager), Ministry of Defence

5 Attachments

Dear Mr Robinson

 

Please find attached a response to your FOI request reference
FOI2021/10607.

 

The attached letter and 4 PDF attachments refer.

 

Regards

 

DDC-Secretariat Manager

Ground Floor Zone B

MOD Main Building

London

SW1A 2HB

 

Currently working partly from home partly in the office.

 

This e-mail and any files transmitted with it are confidential and
intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is
addressed.  If you are not the intended recipient or there are problems
please notify the sender and then delete the e-mail (and file(s) if
attached) from your system.  Recipients should note that e-mail traffic on
MOD systems is subject to monitoring, recording and auditing to secure the
effective operation of the system and for other lawful purposes.  The MOD
has taken steps to keep this e-mail and any attachments free from
viruses.  However it accepts no liability for any loss or damage howsoever
caused as a result of any virus being passed on.  It is the responsiblity
of the recipient to perform all necessary checks.