UK Government May Drop Intelligence Exemption to Revive Hillsborough Law
The UK government is reportedly prepared to remove exemptions for intelligence services from the delayed Hillsborough law, a move that could finally allow the legislation to pass. The bill, which imposes a legal duty of candour on public officials and contractors during disaster inquiries, was stalled in January due to disagreements over whether security service staff should be compelled to give evidence. Downing Street is understood to be willing to concede to demands from victims' families and Labour MPs who argued that excluding intelligence officers would undermine transparency. This shift follows pressure from campaigners affected by both the 1989 Hillsborough disaster and the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, who cited previous failures by MI5 to act on intelligence or disclose information honestly. Although Prime Minister Keir Starmer is believed to be ready to accept these changes, no formal agreement has been announced yet, with any potential update expected after the 37th anniversary of the Hillsborough tragedy. If passed, the law aims to ensure greater honesty and accountability from state authorities in future public inquiries.
Wire timeline
UK Government May Drop Intelligence Exemption to Revive Hillsborough Law
The UK government is reportedly prepared to remove exemptions for intelligence services from the delayed Hillsborough law, a move that could finally allow the legislation to pass. The bill, which imposes a legal duty of candour on public officials and contractors during disaster inquiries, was stalled in January due to disagreements over whether security service staff should be compelled to give evidence. Downing Street is understood to be willing to concede to demands from victims' families and Labour MPs who argued that excluding intelligence officers would undermine transparency. This shift follows pressure from campaigners affected by both the 1989 Hillsborough disaster and the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, who cited previous failures by MI5 to act on intelligence or disclose information honestly. Although Prime Minister Keir Starmer is believed to be ready to accept these changes, no formal agreement has been announced yet, with any potential update expected after the 37th anniversary of the Hillsborough tragedy. If passed, the law aims to ensure greater honesty and accountability from state authorities in future public inquiries.
The Guardian