Hillsborough law to be delayed over security services concerns

"The bill will enforce a duty of candour on public officials and contractors to tell the truth in the aftermath of disasters. But concerns were raised by campaigners that it went too far in protecting individual employees of the intelligence agencies who might have misled public inquiries or investigations. The government made a series of amendments to the bill on Friday to try to allay concerns, but is understood to be considering further changes after MPs said they could lose the support of victims."

"During the Manchester Arena inquiry, MI5 lied about the key intelligence it held about the suicide bomber before the attack. Despite MI5 lying to a public inquiry in this way, no one has been held to account. This lack of accountability needs to change. Creating a full duty of candour responsibility on MI5, MI6 and GCHQ is the clearest route to creating this change."

The government has delayed progress of the Hillsborough law while ministers seek a compromise over how a duty of candour will apply to serving intelligence officers. The bill would require public officials and contractors to tell the truth after disasters. Campaigners and MPs raised concerns that the bill could shield individual intelligence employees who misled inquiries. The government introduced amendments but is considering further changes after MPs warned they could lose victims' support. More than 20 Labour MPs backed amendments to impose candour duties on intelligence officers. Families of the Manchester Arena victims urged that Security Service officers not be exempt.

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