The government has performed a significant U-turn, withdrawing a contentious amendment to the landmark Hillsborough Law following fierce criticism from campaigners and cross-party politicians.
Backlash Forces Government Retreat
Ministers have pulled a proposed change to the legislation that would have brought the intelligence services within its scope. The amendment, which was due to be debated in the House of Commons on Monday 19th January 2026, would have allowed the heads of MI5 and MI6 to decide whether their agencies should disclose information.
Campaigners and bereaved families argued this created a dangerous loophole, permitting those running the security services to act as gatekeepers over what information is revealed. The backlash was swift and powerful, with the mayors of Liverpool and Manchester adding their voices to the calls for the amendment to be scrapped.
Campaigners Secure Crucial Concessions
Following urgent talks with the government on Sunday, it was confirmed the amendment would not be moved. Instead, the government has committed to working with the Hillsborough families to develop acceptable proposals when the bill progresses to the House of Lords.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who has met repeatedly with the bereaved families, was notably introduced at his party's conference last year by Margaret Aspinall. Mrs Aspinall's son, James, was one of the 97 victims of the 1989 disaster which the bill seeks to honour.
In a joint statement, Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said the original amendment "risks undermining the spirit of the legislation". They urged ministers to work with the Hillsborough Law Now campaign to find a solution acceptable to all sides.
Balancing Transparency and Security
A government spokesperson defended the intent of the bill, stating: "This legislation will right the wrongs of the past, changing the balance of power to ensure the state can never hide from the people it should serve and putting a legal duty on officials to respond openly and honestly when things go wrong."
They added, "The bill will make the police, intelligence agencies and the whole of government more scrutinised than they have ever been, but we can never compromise on national security. We will continue to work with all parties to make sure the Bill is the strongest it can possibly be, without compromising national security."
The proposed Hillsborough Law is designed to prevent future state cover-ups by creating a legal "duty of candour" on public authorities during inquiries and investigations. Its return to the Commons marks a critical stage in its journey to becoming law.
