PM to scrap spy chiefs’ Hillsborough Law veto

PM to scrap spy chiefs’ Hillsborough Law veto

The UK Prime Minister is set to revoke a proposal that would have granted security services a comprehensive exemption from a law aimed at preventing cover-ups in public life. This legislation, known as the Hillsborough Law, mandates a “duty of candour” for public authorities, requiring them to be transparent and cooperate with disaster investigations.

Under the new plan, intelligence officials will no longer be able to shield themselves from testifying in inquiries. If an exemption is needed to protect national security, they must submit a formal request to a court. This marks a shift from previous arrangements, where service leaders could unilaterally block evidence sharing.

The law was first introduced by Sir Keir Starmer during his time as opposition leader in 2022. However, its passage through Parliament was delayed this year due to disputes over how the legal requirement should apply to spies. Critics, including Hillsborough families, have called the delay an “insult,” arguing that the government should have prioritized the law sooner.

The Hillsborough Law addresses the tragic 1989 FA Cup semi-final incident in Sheffield, where 97 football fans died in a terrace crush during a match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest. Labour backbenchers have also urged ministers to clarify whether security services should be treated differently under the new framework.

“We are working with the families, who have campaigned for decades, to get this bill right. The bill will fundamentally change how public authorities and officials behave during inquiries and investigations, ensuring honesty and transparency, so the state must always act for the people it serves.”

Previously, the intelligence services had the power to veto evidence that might risk national security. The government now insists on a more accountable process, requiring specific court applications for exemptions. This change reflects broader efforts to align the law with public expectations of openness.

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