Families of the Manchester Arena bombing victims have expressed their dissatisfaction with the proposed Hillsborough law, citing concerns about potential cover-ups. Campaigners recently met with Sir Keir Starmer to discuss their worries regarding exemptions for the intelligence services under the law’s duty of candour. Despite the meeting, they were disappointed with the outcomes.
Ruth Leney, chair of the Manchester Arena Support Network, emphasized the need for full accountability, stating that any watering down, especially concerning the security services, would undermine trust in the legislation. Campaigners raised alarms about the draft version of the Hillsborough Law, fearing that it could enable intelligence chiefs to shield serious failures under the guise of national security.
Referring to the 2017 Arena bombing, Labour MP Anneliese Midgley highlighted instances where MI5 allegedly misled the public and concealed critical information. In response, Sir Keir reiterated that the duty of candour must extend to the intelligence services and assured that proposed amendments to the Bill maintain its integrity.
Recent amendments proposed by the Government aimed to bring intelligence agencies, including MI5, MI6, and GCHQ, under the law’s purview. However, concerns were raised that these changes could grant unchecked power to security service heads in deciding information disclosure.
Voices from the affected families expressed devastation over the amendments, feeling misled and emphasizing the importance of honesty in seeking justice for their lost loved ones. The discussion on the Hillsborough Law has been postponed to January 19 to address campaigners’ apprehensions and potential amendments.
Hillsborough Law Now reiterated the families’ stance against allowing security service heads to exploit national security claims to conceal failures. They called upon the Prime Minister to uphold his commitment to ensure transparency and accountability in the law.
The law draws its name from the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, where 97 football fans lost their lives due to a stadium crush. The government emphasized a balance between addressing families’ concerns and safeguarding national security, promising to collaborate to strengthen the legislation.
Liverpool MP Ian Byrne is set to propose an amendment to fully include security services under the law unless the government revises its stance. The families of victims feel disheartened by the perceived veto power given to security services and are seeking a more inclusive and transparent legal framework.