PM to scrap spy chiefs’ Hillsborough Law veto
PM to Scrap Security Services’ Hillsborough Law Veto
The UK prime minister is set to remove the provision that would have granted intelligence agencies the power to override a legal requirement aimed at preventing misleading information in public investigations. This change follows pressure to ensure transparency in the wake of the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, where 97 football supporters lost their lives in a tragic crush at a Liverpool vs. Nottingham Forest match in Sheffield.
Hillsborough Law’s Purpose
The law mandates that public authorities must uphold a “duty of candour,” compelling them to disclose information and collaborate with inquiries into major incidents. It was first proposed by Sir Keir Starmer during his time as opposition leader in 2022. Previously, the bill allowed spy chiefs to block evidence from being shared if it risked national security, a measure that drew criticism from Hillsborough families and Labour MPs.
“Security officials will no longer be able to block spies from testifying, and any exemption from the law will require a formal court request,” stated a report in The Times.
Ministers have faced mounting scrutiny over whether intelligence services should be treated differently under the new framework. The Hillsborough families condemned the delayed passage of the law, calling it an “insult” to those affected. Earlier this year, the bill’s progress stalled due to disputes over its application to spies, with campaigners arguing for stricter accountability.
The government’s revised approach shifts responsibility, requiring specific legal justification for exemptions rather than a blanket power. A spokesperson emphasized the law’s intent: “This legislation ensures public bodies act with honesty and transparency, so the state remains accountable to the people it serves.” The revised version now aims to balance security needs with the obligation to disclose critical evidence.
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