Government pulls amendment to Hillsborough law after backlash

"The government has pulled an amendment to its proposed Hillsborough law amid concerns from campaigners and MPs that the legislation was being watered down. The public office (accountability) bill aims to force public officials and contractors to tell the truth after disasters. Amendments proposed by the government on Wednesday brought spies within the scope of the legislation, subject to the approval of the head of their service, but campaigners argued this would allow those running the security services to decide whether to disclose information."

"Amendments proposed by the government on Wednesday brought spies within the scope of the legislation, subject to the approval of the head of their service, but campaigners argued this would allow those running the security services to decide whether to disclose information. The government has decided not to move its amendment on Monday, but to instead work with campaigners and the bereaved to bring forward amendments when it reaches the Lords, it is understood."

The government withdrew an amendment to the proposed Hillsborough law amid concerns from campaigners and MPs that the bill was being weakened. The public office (accountability) bill seeks to require public officials and contractors to tell the truth after disasters. Proposed changes would have included spies within the bill’s scope but made disclosures subject to approval by the head of their service. Campaigners warned this could let security service leaders decide on disclosure. The government will not move the amendment on Monday and will work with campaigners and bereaved families to bring amendments in the Lords.

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