MPs expected to approve long-delayed 'Hillsborough Law'

Image source, Reuters By Richard Wheeler Political reporter Published 21 minutes ago MPs are expected to approve the long-delayed 'Hillsborough Law' later, in a bid to prevent cover-ups linked to failures of the state. The legislation would impose a duty on public authorities and officials to tell the truth and proactively co-operate with official investigations and inquiries. It has been delayed by wrangling over how the duty applies to the intelligence services, with ministers recently breaking the deadlock with further amendments. The bill's approval by MPs in Sir Keir Starmer's final days as prime minister would enable him to present it as part of his legacy in No 10. Bill for Hillsborough Law set to be approved by MPs Published 1 day ago Deliver Hillsborough law in full, MPs tell PM Published 28 April Hillsborough fans unlawfully killed Published 26 April 2016 Andy Burnham, Sir Keir's expected successor, said the debate will be a "deeply moving moment". Both men are expected to speak in the Commons later. The proposed law takes its name from the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, which claimed 97 lives after a crush during the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at Sheffield Wednesday's ground. Police leaders were found to have spread false narratives about the disaster, blaming Liverpool fans, and withheld evidence of their own failings. The legislation, which also commits to providing legal aid for victims of disasters or state-related deaths, was a pledge in Labour's 2024 general election manifesto. It is formally known as the Public Office (Accountability) Bill. Sir Keir had promised to pass the bill by 15 April 2025, to mark the 36th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster. But this deadline was missed and the government abandoned a final debate in January following a backlash from campaigners and some Labour MPs . This came after a government amendment would have made co-operation with inquiries by intelligence officers subject to the approval of the head of their service. Bereaved families said MI5 and MI6 officers should be fully subject to the proposed law and pointed to a series of cases where MI5 has provided false information, including the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing . The government has now tabled amendments to the bill, which campaigners have said means there would be no exemption for the intelligence services and ministers believe would not compromise national security. These will be considered during the bill's report stage ahead of it being approved at third reading on Tuesday. The bill will then proceed to the House of Lords where it could be changed further, including by any peers concerned over the impact of the bill on national security. On Tuesday, Downing Street said the government wants the law to be on the statute book by April next year, in time for the next anniversary. Ahead of the debate, Sir Keir said the "landmark law" was "a tribute to the incredible families and campaigners who have spent d