Prime Minister Keir Starmer was compelled to withdraw the proposed Hillsborough Law from the House of Commons late on Sunday night. The dramatic move follows an escalating dispute concerning the extent to which intelligence agencies like MI5 would be bound by the legislation's core principle: a legal duty of candour for public officials.
Last-Minute Withdrawal Sparks Parliamentary Void
The Public Office (Accountability) Bill, designed to compel truth-telling from officials and contractors in the wake of major disasters, was scheduled for a crucial six-and-a-half hour debate on Monday. Its withdrawal at the eleventh hour has left MPs with a significantly lighter parliamentary schedule. The legislation, inspired by the tragic 1989 Hillsborough stadium disaster which claimed 97 Liverpool fans' lives, was intended to prevent cover-ups by authorities like the police.
Security Service Carve-Outs Trigger Backbench Rebellion
The controversy centres on a government amendment tabled last week. While it brought security and intelligence agencies within the bill's scope, it stipulated that their duty of candour would be subject to approval by their own service heads. Campaigners and Labour backbenchers argued this created a glaring loophole, allowing spy chiefs to decide unilaterally what information to disclose.
Liverpool West Derby MP Ian Byrne stated he could not support the bill with this amendment, declaring it was "not the Hillsborough Law" due to the security service exemptions. Senior regional figures, including Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, warned the change "risks undermining the spirit of the legislation" and creates an overly broad opt-out.
Government Seeks Balance Between Candour and National Security
Speaking at a Downing Street press conference, Prime Minister Starmer emphasised his primary duty to national security. "We've been clear that [the duty of candour] matters," he said, "What we're now trying to do is just make sure we get the balance right." He referenced the need for agencies, who handle confidential intelligence, to operate effectively while ensuring transparency.
This balancing act was highlighted by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, who earlier insisted security services would not be exempt. She pointed to the Manchester Arena inquiry as a scenario the law aims to prevent, where agencies withheld information, presenting an inaccurate picture to bereaved families for years.
The campaign group Hillsborough Law Now welcomed the government's decision to pause and listen, stating they would engage further to ensure the bill fully applies to security services without jeopardising national security. Ministers are now in talks with campaigners and bereaved families to find a way forward for the landmark legislation.
