A significant milestone has been achieved with the long-anticipated Hillsborough Law following intense efforts to prepare the legislation before Keir Starmer’s departure. The Mirror can confirm that the much-awaited Public Office (Accountability) Bill will be reintroduced to MPs this week after extensive discussions behind the scenes to resolve a disagreement regarding the application of a duty of candor to intelligence services.
This advancement has been hailed as a resounding triumph to prevent future cover-ups similar to the one that transpired after the tragic loss of 97 Liverpool fans in 1989. Proposed amendments to be presented this week will enable individuals currently or formerly employed by intelligence agencies to receive ‘compliance directions’. Insiders anticipate that this will address concerns about compromising national security by compelling staff to support public inquiries and investigations.
According to sources, new amendments will establish a secure process for this to occur within a national security framework. Under the updated proposals, individual employees will transmit information to the head of their organization, who will then be responsible for passing on the information to the inquiry or investigation, adhering to existing legal and practical arrangements for safeguarding sensitive information.
The Labour party had pledged to introduce a Hillsborough Law in its 2024 election manifesto. Despite commitments to push it through, the legislation has been entangled in legal disputes since September last year. A government insider remarked, “This is a significant victory after months of dedicated work to find a resolution that guarantees a duty of candor applicable to intelligence services while upholding national security.”
They added, “The Hillsborough Law will fundamentally shift the power balance so that the state cannot evade accountability to the people it serves, and victims can always seek justice.” Earlier, the Hillsborough Law campaign informed The Liverpool Echo, “The Government has conceded that there will be no exceptions or exclusions for security services or others, breaking the deadlock that has persisted since January.”
“This is a crucial milestone, not only for Hillsborough families but for all families who have faced cover-ups and accountability failures from public authorities. We are a significant step closer to ensuring that no family has to endure decades of fighting for the truth again.”