PM to scrap spy chiefs’ Hillsborough Law veto
PM to scrap spy chiefs’ Hillsborough Law veto
The UK Prime Minister is set to abandon proposals that would have granted intelligence agencies broad immunity under a new law aimed at preventing hidden misdeeds in public affairs. This shift removes the ability of security services to block evidence from being presented in investigations linked to the Hillsborough disaster.
Duty of candour for public authorities
The Hillsborough Law mandates a “duty of candour” requiring public bodies to act transparently and collaborate with inquiry processes. Previously, intelligence chiefs could veto officers from testifying, but the updated plan demands a court application for partial or full exemptions when national security is at stake.
Under the revised approach, the security services must seek judicial approval before withholding information. This contrasts with earlier plans that allowed a blanket exemption, sparking criticism from both Labour MPs and Hillsborough families.
Legacy of the 1989 tragedy
In 1989, a crush on a football terrace during the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest claimed 97 lives. The law’s introduction has been delayed, with families calling it an “insult” for its slow progress.
The legislation was first pledged by Sir Keir Starmer during his time as opposition leader in 2022. However, its passage through Parliament stalled earlier this year due to disputes over how the duty of candour would apply to spies.
“We are working with the families, who have campaigned for decades, to get this bill right,” said a government spokesperson. “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.”
Labour backbenchers had pushed for equal treatment of security services under the law, arguing that exemptions should not be granted without specific justification. Hillsborough families, meanwhile, have emphasized the importance of accountability, particularly after years of waiting for the legal reforms to address the tragedy’s legacy.
Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
