The Hillsborough Law, officially known as the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, which aims to compel public officials and contractors to provide full and truthful information after disasters, has been temporarily withdrawn from the Commons amid a significant dispute over the accountability of intelligence agencies, including MI5. This crucial legislation was brought forward in response to the 1989 Hillsborough stadium disaster, which tragically claimed the lives of 97 Liverpool fans, where police actions and subsequent cover-ups highlighted the need for greater candour from public bodies.

The bill's primary objective is to prevent public bodies from withholding information or misleading investigations, a concern starkly illustrated by the Hillsborough tragedy, where over 100 police witness statements were found to have been altered. It seeks to impose criminal sanctions, potentially including prison sentences, on those who lie, evade, or withhold information, ensuring that "injustice has no place to hide," as stated by Keir Starmer, who has championed the law as a flagship policy for Labour.

However, a recent amendment introduced by Labour, intended to bring intelligence agencies like MI5 and MI6 within the bill's scope, sparked a fierce backlash. The amendment stipulated that intelligence officers would be subject to a duty of candour, but only with the approval of their respective service heads. Campaigners, Labour backbenchers, and victims' families vehemently argued that this provision created an unacceptable "carve-out" or "opt-out" that could allow intelligence chiefs to decide what information is released, potentially facilitating cover-ups under the guise of national security.

Prominent figures, including Liverpool West Derby MP Ian Byrne, stated he could not support the legislation with these security service exceptions. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram echoed these concerns, asserting that the amendment "risks undermining the spirit of the legislation" and "creates too broad an opt-out" for security services. While Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy insisted security services would not be "exempt" and that the challenge was to apply the law "without fear or favour" while acknowledging their need to handle confidential information, the Prime Minister emphasized the paramount importance of national interest and keeping the country safe, stressing the need to "get that balance absolutely right."

The growing controversy led to the eleventh-hour withdrawal of the bill from its scheduled debate in the Commons, leaving MPs with little to do for their parliamentary week. This setback is seen as politically damaging for Labour, given Keir Starmer's strong commitment to the Hillsborough Law, with some fearing a "watered down" bill would feel like an "ultimate betrayal" to the people of Liverpool. Campaign group Hillsborough Law Now welcomed the withdrawal of the controversial amendment, stating they would engage further with the Government to ensure the bill fully applies to security services without jeopardizing national security.

Despite the current roadblock, there is optimism for a resolution. Ministers are now in discussions with campaigners and bereaved families to find a compromise. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham expressed belief that a new agreement could be reached within "a matter of days," hoping the bill can return to Parliament swiftly before progressing to the House of Lords. The collective aim is to ensure the law leaves the Commons with the full support of the families, ultimately strengthening the bill to allow the truth to be told and learning to happen efficiently after major incidents, without compromising national security.