Overview
- The Commons Report Stage has been pushed back to 19 January to allow further talks on how the bill covers the intelligence services.
- Government amendments would require the head of an intelligence service to consent before staff disclose information, with refusals allowed on national security grounds.
- Hillsborough and Manchester Arena families withdrew support after a Downing Street meeting, arguing the clause hands intelligence chiefs an unchallengeable veto.
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the duty of candour applies to MI5, MI6 and GCHQ and insisted safeguards protect national security without weakening the legislation.
- Some Labour MPs, including Ian Byrne, warned they could vote against the bill unless the contested provision is removed, with negotiations continuing before Monday’s debate.