The families affected by the Manchester Arena bombing have expressed their opposition to the current version of a new legislation similar to the Hillsborough law, aimed at preventing cover-ups. During a meeting with Sir Keir Starmer, campaigners raised concerns about exempting intelligence agencies from the law’s requirement of transparency. Despite the discussions, they were unsatisfied with the outcomes.
Ruth Leney, leading the Manchester Arena Support Network, acknowledged Sir Keir’s attentiveness but emphasized the need for full accountability without any dilution, especially concerning security services. Campaigners cautioned that the proposed draft of the Hillsborough Law might allow intelligence leaders to shield significant failures under the guise of national security.
The 2017 Arena bombing case was highlighted, where it was revealed that MI5 had obscured crucial intelligence on the perpetrator, resulting in the loss of 22 lives and numerous injuries. In response to criticisms, Sir Keir assured that the duty of candour applies to intelligence services and defended the proposed amendments as maintaining a balance between transparency and national security.
Recent government amendments brought security agencies under the legislation’s purview, subject to approval from their respective heads. However, concerns were raised that these changes could grant broad discretion to agency heads in disclosing information, thereby rendering their decisions unchallengeable.
Affected families, such as Caroline Curry and Lisa Rutherford, expressed disappointment and a sense of being misled by the bill’s amendments. They stressed the importance of honesty and accountability in seeking justice for their lost loved ones. MPs postponed the debate on the Hillsborough Law to address campaigners’ worries by proposing further changes to the legislation.
The Hillsborough Law Now campaign reiterated the families’ rejection of a law that allows security service heads to conceal failures under vague national security pretexts. They called on the Prime Minister to honor his commitment to ensure transparency and accountability in the face of tragedy.
The legislation, named after the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, aims to prevent future cover-ups and ensure accountability in public offices. Despite government assurances of stringent scrutiny on security services, concerns persist among campaigners and affected families regarding the law’s effectiveness in promoting transparency without compromising national security.