In a bid to avoid another embarrassing rebellion, the Labour government is scrambling to strike a deal with MPs concerned about the proposed “duty of candour” provisions in the Hillsborough Law. The Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy, has acknowledged that ministers are working to resolve the issue before a crucial parliamentary vote on Monday.
The controversy centres around an amendment that would subject the UK’s intelligence services to the transparency requirements of the new legislation. Campaigners argue this could allow security chiefs to withhold information by citing national security concerns. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram have both criticised the proposed amendment, warning it risks undermining the spirit of the law.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s authority has already been shaken by a series of U-turns on key policies, including a rebellion by 49 Labour MPs over the Government’s Welfare Bill. The Culture Secretary insisted the security services will not be “exempt” from the new rules, but acknowledged the challenge is to ensure they can “continue to do their job” while meeting the transparency requirements.
Ms Nandy said the Government is in discussions with the families of the Manchester Arena attack victims, who have been vocal advocates for the Hillsborough Law’s “duty of candour” provisions. She expressed confidence that a resolution can be found, stating: “We’re listening, as we’ve always listened, and we will find a way to get this right because in the end we want the same thing.”
The families have accused MI5 of failing to prevent the 2017 Manchester bombing and then lying about key intelligence during the subsequent public inquiry. They argue that without full accountability, the security services cannot be trusted to be truthful. The Government now faces the delicate task of balancing national security concerns with the demands for transparency and justice from the victims’ loved ones.
