Government Backtracks on Hillsborough Law Timetable
The Government has rowed back on suggestions that the Hillsborough Law would return to Parliament before the summer break, dealing a fresh blow to campaigners who have fought for decades for greater public accountability. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy had told the Commons on July 8 that he was "confident" the Bill would be before MPs "in the coming days," but Commons Leader Sir Alan Campbell today (July 9) said he hoped it would be back "soon," without committing to a specific timeframe.
The proposed legislation, formally known as the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, would impose a legal "duty of candour" on public officials to tell the truth during inquiries and investigations. It was a key Labour manifesto pledge in 2024 and is named after the 97 Liverpool fans unlawfully killed in the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, where police and other officials were found to have lied about their actions.
Pressure Mounts After MI5 Allegations
Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper raised the issue during Prime Minister's Questions, citing reports that MI5 had defended an agent known to be misogynistic and obsessed with violence, who attacked his girlfriend with a machete. Cooper alleged MI5 gave false evidence to courts to protect the agent. She called on Lammy to bring back a full Hillsborough Bill covering the security services and pass it before the summer recess.
Lammy responded: "She raises a very serious issue, of course, and I will arrange for Beth to meet with the security minister to discuss this in detail. She also raises the Hillsborough Bill and I’m confident that this will be before the House in the coming days." However, the Government has now distanced itself from that timeline.
Campaigners Express Disappointment
Wendy Chamberlain, the Liberal Democrats’ chief whip, told the Commons she was "disappointed" that Lammy’s comments "were not accurate." Sir Alan Campbell countered: "I don’t believe that the Deputy Prime Minister did say something which was inaccurate, because we are doing all we can to get the Hillsborough Bill across the line. If that means that we can bring it sooner rather than later, then that will be our intention."
The Bill had previously stalled over concerns it would not apply to the intelligence agencies. Last year, the Government faced a backlash after proposing amendments that would bring spies within the scope of the law only with the approval of the head of their services, which campaigners warned could allow them to escape the duty of candour. Those amendments were pulled.
Long Road to Legislation
The Hillsborough Law was first laid before Parliament last year, with families travelling to Downing Street for the historic occasion. But it has been repeatedly delayed. Both Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and expected next Labour leader Andy Burnham have voiced support for the Bill. It was carried over from the previous parliamentary session to ensure it could pass after prorogation, but progress remains slow.
