The government has withdrawn an amendment to its Hillsborough Law following criticism from campaigners and some Labour MPs. The proposed legislation aims to create a legal obligation for public authorities to cooperate with inquiries and provide truthful information.
Hillsborough Law Amendment Withdrawn
The amendment, which would have subjected cooperation by intelligence officers with inquiries to approval from the head of their service, will no longer be put to a vote on Monday. Bereaved families argue that MI5 and MI6 officers should be fully subject to the law, citing instances where MI5 has allegedly provided false information.
A government spokesperson stated that they will continue to collaborate with all parties to strengthen the bill “without compromising national security.” The Hillsborough Law Now campaign group welcomed the move and said it would “engage further with government to ensure the bill fully applies to the security services whilst not jeopardising national security.”
The proposed law, named after the 1989 Hillsborough stadium disaster in Sheffield, seeks to increase accountability for public authorities and officials. The government maintained that its amendments regarding intelligence services were intended to balance the law’s duties with protecting national security.
Ministers faced a potential rebellion from Labour MPs, with approximately 30 supporting a proposal by Liverpool Labour MP Ian Byrne to ensure the legislation applied more comprehensively to intelligence officers. The bill is scheduled to complete its remaining stages in the House of Commons on Monday, with the government now planning to introduce amendments in the House of Lords.
Byrne stated, “I think there’s been an acknowledgement that their amendment was heading for defeat, and thank God they’ve withdrawn it.” However, he added, “I won’t vote for any law to leave the Commons until myself and the families are happy with what it contains… I have spoken to some families, and they are absolutely firm that it has to be the full Hillsborough Law before it leaves the Commons.”
Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee reportedly did not support the government’s proposed amendment, adding to the challenges faced by ministers. MI5 Director-General Sir Ken McCallum was also involved in discussions with some MPs regarding the matter.
The Public Office (Accountability) Bill is designed to prevent cover-ups and establish a “duty of candour” for public officials. Campaigners contended that allowing intelligence service leaders to control disclosures could enable them to selectively reveal information.
Families affected by the 2017 Manchester Arena attack also called for the law to apply fully to the intelligence services. A public inquiry found that MI5 had not provided an “accurate picture” of key intelligence related to the bomber responsible for the attack, which resulted in 22 deaths and hundreds of injuries.
Labour mayors Andy Burnham of Greater Manchester and Steve Rotherham of the Liverpool City Region also criticized the government’s amendment, arguing it created an overly broad exemption and risked undermining the legislation’s intent.
A government spokesperson reiterated that the legislation would address past injustices and ensure the state is accountable to the public, while also emphasizing the importance of protecting national security. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy previously expressed confidence in resolving disagreements before Monday’s vote, stating that security services would not be exempt but acknowledging the need to balance transparency with the ability of officers to handle confidential information.
The Hillsborough Law stems from campaigning by families impacted by the stadium crush that caused the deaths of 97 football fans. Investigations revealed that police leaders disseminated false narratives and withheld evidence of their own failures.
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