Government pulls amendment to Hillsborough law after backlash
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Government Pulls Amendment to Hillsborough Law After Backlash
The UK government has withdrawn a controversial amendment to the Hillsborough Law—officially the Public Office (Accountability) Bill—following intense backlash from campaigners, Labour MPs, and victims' families. The amendment, intended to address national security concerns, would have allowed exemptions for security services like MI5 and MI6 from the bill's duty of candour, requiring public officials to act with transparency and honesty during inquiries.[1][2]
The Hillsborough Law stems from decades of campaigning after the 1989 disaster, where 97 Liverpool fans died due to police failures and cover-ups. It aims to prevent similar injustices by mandating openness from authorities, including in cases like the Manchester Arena inquiry where security services withheld information.[2][4]
Tensions escalated when Labour MP Liam Byrne tabled rival amendments applying the duty to individual intelligence officers without compromising security. Initially hopeful for government support, Byrne withdrew backing on Thursday, stating the bill in its current form contained "exemptions, loopholes, and carve-outs," betraying commitments to families. Over 30 Labour MPs signed his amendment, signaling a potential rebellion at Monday's report stage.[1]
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy insisted on BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg that security services "will not be exempt," emphasizing resolution through ongoing talks. Liverpool mayor Steve Rotheram and Manchester mayor Andy Burnham criticized the amendment as creating a "broad opt-out," undermining the legislation's spirit.[2]
The debate, delayed from last week, now proceeds without the contentious clause, preserving the bill's integrity as a "lasting legacy" for victims, per government spokespeople. West Yorkshire mayor Tracy Brabin urged private judicial handling of sensitive disclosures to uphold justice.[2]
This U-turn averts a Labour backbench revolt, ensuring the landmark bill—passed by Lords months ago—advances toward enforcing accountability across public bodies.[1][3]
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