Section 26Defence.

(1) Information is exempt information if its disclosure under this Act would, or would be likely to, prejudice—

(a)
the defence of the British Islands or of any colony, or
(b)
the capability, effectiveness or security of any relevant forces.

(2) In subsection (1)(b) “relevant forces” means—

(a)
the armed forces of the Crown, and
(b)
any forces co-operating with those forces,

or any part of any of those forces.

(3) The duty to confirm or deny does not arise if, or to the extent that, compliance with section 1(1)(a) would, or would be likely to, prejudice any of the matters mentioned in subsection (1).

https://foia.digiphile.law/article/article-26.html

Text as at 7 October 2026.

This is an unofficial convenience version of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. It is presented “as is” without guarantee of accuracy, completeness or reliability. See the source text for the official version. This site was last updated in October 2026.