The UK government has been forced into a significant climbdown, withdrawing a contentious amendment to its proposed Hillsborough law after facing fierce criticism from campaigners and MPs who argued it fundamentally weakened the legislation.
Amendment Criticised as an "Opt-Out" for Spies
The proposed Public Office (Accountability) Bill, often referred to as the Hillsborough law, is designed to create a legal duty of candour. It would compel public officials and contractors to tell the truth in the aftermath of major disasters. However, an amendment tabled by the government on Wednesday sparked immediate controversy.
This amendment sought to bring members of the intelligence and security services within the scope of the new law, but with a crucial caveat. Disclosure of information would be subject to approval by the head of their service. Bereaved families and their supporters argued this created a glaring loophole, effectively allowing senior security officials to decide unilaterally whether to disclose potentially vital information.
Campaigners Force Government Retreat
The backlash was swift and powerful. Campaigners, including those who have fought for decades for justice following the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, labelled the change a betrayal of the law's core principle. They saw it not as an inclusion, but as a dangerous "watering-down" of the legislation that would grant an unacceptable opt-out for senior officials in the security services.
Faced with mounting pressure from both campaign groups and cross-party MPs, the government has now decided not to proceed with the amendment. It is understood that ministers will not move the amendment when the bill returns to the Commons on Monday.
Path Forward: Collaboration in the Lords
Instead of pushing through the disputed change, the government has committed to a different course of action. Officials have indicated they will now work directly with campaigners and the bereaved to develop acceptable amendments as the bill progresses to the House of Lords.
This collaborative approach marks a victory for the Hillsborough families and their long-standing demand for a robust, uncompromising duty of candour. The government's retreat underscores the potent political and moral force of their campaign, ensuring the proposed law's integrity remains a central focus as it moves through Parliament.
