Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy has stated that the Hillsborough Law is expected to return to Parliament before the summer break, as he faced pressure to ensure the security services are subject to its “duty of candour”. The law, formally known as the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, would require public officials to tell the truth during inquiries and investigations.
Pressure Over MI5 Conduct
Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper raised concerns during Prime Minister’s Questions, citing BBC reports that MI5 had covered up for an agent who attacked his girlfriend with a machete and was “obsessed” with violence. She claimed MI5 gave false evidence to courts to protect the agent, who has not been identified. Cooper asked Lammy to apologise to the victim, Beth, and to bring back a full Hillsborough Bill covering the security services.
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.”
Background of the Hillsborough Law
The law takes its name from the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, where 97 Liverpool fans were unlawfully killed in a crush at Sheffield Wednesday’s stadium during an FA Cup semi-final. Subsequent inquiries found that key public servants, including the police, had not told the truth about decisions leading to the fatal crush in the Leppings Lane end.
The Labour Party promised the law in its 2024 manifesto. It was first laid before Parliament last year, with Hillsborough families travelling to Downing Street for the historic occasion. However, the bill has faced delays, partly due to disagreements over its application to intelligence agencies.
Government Amendments and Controversy
Last year, the government proposed amendments that would bring spies within the scope of the law, but only with the approval of the head of their services. Campaigners warned this could allow intelligence agencies to escape the duty of candour, leading to the amendments being withdrawn.
Both Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and expected next Labour leader Andy Burnham have expressed support for the bill. It was carried over from the previous parliamentary session to ensure it could pass after Parliament was prorogued.
Lammy, standing in for Starmer during the Nato summit in Ankara, expressed confidence that the bill would be before the House in the coming days, potentially allowing it to pass before the summer recess.
