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Hillsborough Law Stalls Again as Security Dispute Halts Bill This Session

A dispute over applying a duty of candour to intelligence agencies has frozen progress, drawing anger from bereaved families.

Overview

  • The government-confirmed Hillsborough Law bill will not return to Parliament before the current session ends, making another April anniversary likely to pass without it in force.
  • Families and survivors have written to Prime Minister Keir Starmer saying they feel insulted by the lack of movement and urging him to keep his pledge.
  • Campaigners blame Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood for delays tied to national security concerns and say she declined to meet them, a notable move given her oversight of MI5.
  • Downing Street says it remains committed to the legislation but is taking extra time to ensure it does not compromise national security, a stance it reiterated to the Mirror.
  • The bill would create a legal duty of candour requiring public officials to tell the truth in inquiries and inquests, with backers supporting an Ian Byrne amendment they say protects security while preserving accountability after scandals from infected blood to Grenfell.