PM to scrap spy chiefs’ Hillsborough Law veto
The UK Prime Minister is set to remove provisions that would have granted security services a general exemption from the Hillsborough Law, a legislative measure aimed at preventing concealment of information in public affairs. This law mandates that public authorities must uphold a “duty of candour,” ensuring transparency and cooperation during disaster investigations.
As The Times initially reported, intelligence service leaders will no longer possess the authority to block spies from testifying. Instead, they must seek a specific court order to justify partial or full disclosure exemptions when national security is at stake. The law’s introduction was delayed, prompting criticism from Hillsborough families who called it an “insult” for its tardy passage.
The Hillsborough Law was first proposed by Sir Keir Starmer during his time as opposition leader in 2022. However, its progress through Parliament faced hurdles earlier this year due to disputes between the government and advocates over how the “duty of candour” should apply to spies. Previously, the plan allowed intelligence chiefs to veto evidence that could compromise national security. The revised approach requires a more detailed legal process for exemptions.
“We are working with the families, who have campaigned for decades, to get this bill right. 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.”
The legislation addresses concerns raised by Labour backbenchers about whether security services should be treated differently from other public bodies. With the new framework, the focus shifts from broad exemptions to targeted judicial review, aligning with the goal of holding institutions accountable.
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