PM to scrap spy chiefs’ Hillsborough Law veto

Prime Minister Abandons Spy Chiefs’ Hillsborough Law Veto

The Prime Minister has decided to remove provisions that would have granted security services a general exemption from the Hillsborough Law. This legislation mandates a “duty of candour” for public bodies to ensure transparency during investigations and prevent concealment of facts. Previously, intelligence service leaders could block officers from testifying if their testimony might compromise national security, but this will no longer be the case.

Law Aims to Enhance Accountability

Under the revised plan, security agencies must now seek court approval to exempt certain disclosures from the law. The Hillsborough Law was first proposed by Sir Keir Starmer as opposition leader in 2022, but its passage through Parliament was delayed due to disputes over how the duty of candour applies to spies. The government claims it is collaborating with Hillsborough families to finalize the bill, which has been a focus of advocacy for years.

“The bill will fundamentally change how public authorities and officials behave during inquiries and investigations, ensuring honesty and transparency, so the state must always act for the people it serves,” said a government spokesperson.

The law addresses the 1989 FA Cup semi-final disaster, where 97 fans died in a crowd crush at Sheffield’s Hillsborough Stadium. Critics, including Labour backbenchers and families of the victims, had argued that security services should not be treated separately from other public entities under the law. They called the delayed legislation an “insult” and emphasized the need for accountability in state actions.

Ministers had faced mounting pressure to align the security services with the broader requirement for openness. The new approach eliminates the veto power of spy chiefs, requiring them to justify exemptions through specific legal processes. This shift marks a significant change in the law’s implementation, balancing national security concerns with the public’s right to know.

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