A significant law known as the Hillsborough Law, aimed at preventing future cover-ups by the state, has faced delays due to concerns about the exclusion of intelligence agencies.
Families affected by tragic events such as the Manchester Arena bombing and the Hillsborough disaster are set to meet with Keir Starmer following the postponement of the final stages of the legislation until next Monday.
Advocates have urged the Prime Minister to ensure that the Hillsborough Law, which seeks to hold public officials accountable for dishonesty, covers all public services, including MI5, MI6, and GCHQ. They view the slight delay as an opportunity to rectify any shortcomings in the legislation.
This law follows years of campaigning by families of the 97 Liverpool fans who lost their lives in the Hillsborough stadium disaster in 1989. It aims to establish a legal obligation of transparency for public officials, such as police officers, with penalties for providing false information or withholding facts. Additionally, it introduces a new offense for deceiving the public, with severe repercussions for major violations.
Initially scheduled for discussion in the Commons on Wednesday, the legislation faced a delay after Downing Street confirmed that it did not address individual employees of intelligence agencies.
Caroline Curry, who lost her son in the Manchester Arena attack, emphasized the importance of the law encompassing all services without exceptions, stressing the need for accountability at all levels.
Hillsborough Law Now, supported by various victims of injustices, including the Grenfell Tower fire and the infected blood scandal, expressed satisfaction with the delay, provided it is utilized to address any deficiencies in the bill.
The Prime Minister’s spokesperson highlighted the law’s intent to hold officials, including those from intelligence services, accountable with transparency and honesty in case of failures. Amendments have been proposed to address concerns regarding the coverage of intelligence agency employees, indicating the government’s commitment to ensuring the legislation is robust while safeguarding national security.
The remaining stages of the Hillsborough Law have been rescheduled for the following week to allow for further refinement.