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Hillsborough Law Hits Stalemate Over Spy Opt-Out Before Commons Vote

Bereaved families with northern mayors reject an intelligence-services veto proposal.

Overview

  • The government will press a report-stage amendment on 19 January that brings intelligence agencies under the duty of candour only with head‑of‑service approval.
  • Campaigners say the change creates a carve‑out, and Hillsborough families urge MPs to oppose it and back Ian Byrne’s alternative applying the duty to individual officers.
  • Around 30 Labour MPs have signed Byrne’s amendment, raising the prospect of a rebellion after talks with Keir Starmer ended without a resolution.
  • Liverpool and Greater Manchester mayors Steve Rotheram and Andy Burnham call for the amendment to be withdrawn, warning it risks undermining the law’s purpose.
  • Ministers insist the duty will still apply to the security services, with Lisa Nandy saying they will not be exempt as discussions with families continue.