Keir Starmer is set to abandon the proposal to grant security agencies like MI5 an exemption from the Hillsborough legislation. The Prime Minister is expected to broaden the scope of the new “duty of candour” introduced by the law to encompass MI5, MI6, and GCHQ. This duty mandates public bodies to be truthful and cooperate with investigations to prevent government cover-ups.
The “Hillsborough Law” was withdrawn from the Commons in January following a contentious debate over an amendment concerning its application to security services. An amendment put forward by the government aimed to bring MI5 and MI6 operatives under the law’s purview, with approval required from the respective agency heads. However, this move faced opposition from MPs, activists, and families affected by incidents like the Manchester Arena bombing, who insisted on full inclusion of MI5 in the legislation.
Under new proposals reported by The Times, security leaders will no longer have the authority to prevent individual agents from providing testimony. Instead, they would need to seek court approval to withhold sensitive information partially or entirely.
Keir Starmer has committed to shepherding the legislation through Parliament, emphasizing the importance of public officials being truthful. He reaffirmed his pledge to fulfill this commitment despite challenges, acknowledging the ongoing pain and injustice experienced by affected families.
The upcoming Wednesday marks the 37th anniversary of the tragedy at Hillsborough Stadium during an FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest. The Hillsborough Law initiative has garnered support from advocates of various other causes, including survivors of the Grenfell Tower fire and the contaminated blood scandal.
The recent progress follows a plea from Hillsborough campaigner Margaret Aspinall, urging Keir Starmer to uphold his promise and enact the law promptly to prevent future cover-ups. Aspinall, who lost her son in the Hillsborough disaster, expressed frustration over delays in implementing the legislation and called for immediate action.
The Public Office (Accountability) Bill, commonly known as the Hillsborough Law, will establish a legal obligation for all public officials, including law enforcement personnel, to be candid, with penalties for deception or withholding information. The legislation will introduce a new offense for misleading the public, with severe consequences for egregious violations.
A government spokesperson emphasized collaboration with long-standing campaigners to refine the Bill, underscoring its aim to balance national security concerns with fostering a culture of transparency and integrity within public institutions.