Ministers have withdrawn a proposed amendment to the Hillsborough Law that would have impacted the intelligence services following strong opposition from bereaved families and Members of Parliament.
Keir Starmer was facing resistance as the significant bill, aimed at preventing future government cover-ups and named after the tragic events of 1989, was being discussed in the Commons on Monday. The proposed legislation includes the establishment of a “duty of candour” requirement for public officials to act honestly or face potential criminal consequences.
An amendment put forward by the government was seeking to encompass spies from MI5 and MI6 under the law, subject to approval from their respective service heads. Critics and affected families contended that this provision could allow security service leaders to determine the disclosure of information. Discussions between stakeholders and the government were ongoing on Sunday.
It has been revealed that the amendment will not be presented on Monday, with the government planning to collaborate with families to introduce amendments in the House of Lords.
Keir Starmer has been actively engaging with bereaved families and has received support from Margaret Aspinall, a prominent figure in the Hillsborough disaster, ensuring that the integrity of the Bill remains intact.
A government spokesperson emphasized that the legislation aims to address historical injustices by rebalancing power dynamics to prevent the state from concealing information and imposing a legal duty on officials to transparently address errors.
Liverpool West Derby MP Ian Byrne, who was present at the tragic incident in 1989, expressed his opposition to the amendment over the weekend, calling for a more comprehensive approach that honors the legacy of the Hillsborough victims.
Over the weekend, the mayors of Liverpool and Manchester urged the Prime Minister to retract an amendment to the Hillsborough Law, citing concerns about its broad implications for intelligence agencies. They called for constructive dialogue with families and campaigners to find a mutually acceptable resolution.
Labour MP Justin Madders echoed the mayors’ sentiments, expressing agreement with their stance. Following the government’s decision to withdraw the amendment, Madders welcomed the development, indicating a positive step towards addressing family concerns.
Culture Secretary Ms. Nandy affirmed that the security services will be held accountable under the “duty of candour” requirement for public officials, emphasizing the importance of transparency to prevent misinformation similar to past incidents.
Ms. Nandy highlighted the necessity to avoid situations like the Manchester Arena inquiry where security services could withhold information, underscoring ongoing efforts to address concerns and ensure a satisfactory resolution.