Keir Starmer is set to abandon the proposal that would exempt security services, such as MI5, from the Hillsborough law.
In a significant development, the Prime Minister is expected to expand the scope of the newly established “duty of candour” under the law to encompass MI5, MI6, and GCHQ. This duty mandates public authorities to be truthful and cooperate with investigations to prevent government cover-ups.
The legislation known as the “Hillsborough Law” was withdrawn from the Commons in January following a contentious debate over an amendment concerning its application to security services.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 include MI5 and MI6 operatives under the law but with the condition that their participation be approved by their respective agency heads. Security officials sought to prevent spies from providing testimony in public inquiries citing national security concerns.
However, these proposals faced strong opposition from Members of Parliament, activists, and families affected by tragedies like the Manchester Arena bombing. Families impacted by the 2017 bombing demanded full inclusion of MI5 in the Hillsborough Law, alleging that the agency not only failed to prevent the attack but also lacked transparency in its aftermath.
New reports from The Times suggest that the authority of security chiefs to block individual spies from giving evidence will be eliminated. Instead, the decision will be left to the courts, with security leaders required to seek court approval for exemptions to disclose sensitive information.
This development follows calls from Hillsborough campaigner Margaret Aspinall, who urged Keir Starmer to fulfill his commitment and enact a law to prevent future cover-ups promptly.
In an interview earlier this month, Aspinall, who lost her son in the 1989 tragedy, expressed frustration over delays in enacting the Hillsborough Law. She emphasized the importance of fulfilling the promise made by Starmer to ensure transparency and accountability in state proceedings.
The Hillsborough Law is the outcome of years of advocacy by families of the 97 victims who perished in the tragic incident at the Hillsborough stadium. The legislation, officially named the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, will impose a legal obligation of candour on all public officials, including police officers, with penalties for dishonesty or withholding information, including criminal sanctions for severe breaches.
Today marks the 37th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster during an FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield.
The campaign has garnered support from victims of other injustices, such as the Grenfell Tower fire and the contaminated blood scandal.
The government affirmed its commitment to collaborating with affected families to ensure the legislation’s effectiveness in transforming how public entities and officials operate during inquiries and investigations, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in serving the public.