Keir Starmer emphasizes his deep concern for Hillsborough Law, highlighting the priority of national security despite concerns over potential loopholes for intelligence agencies.
A significant backlash from bereaved families and MPs led to the last-minute cancellation of the debate on the bill aimed at preventing state-cover ups.
The controversy revolves around an amendment related to MI5 and MI6, with worries that it could enable intelligence agencies to evade legal obligations to truthfully cooperate with investigations.
Facing a potential Labour rebellion, ministers, led by Liverpool West Derby MP Ian Byrne, withdrew the contentious amendment, resulting in the postponement of the entire discussion.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who had assured survivors of the 1989 tragedy that the legislation would not be weakened, stressed the importance of getting the balance right between accountability and national security.
Pressure from families affected by the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, who felt let down by the security services, pushed for their inclusion in the law following the inquiry’s findings of MI5’s mishandling of crucial intelligence.
Campaigners for Hillsborough Law emphasized the necessity for the bill to pass through the Commons intact, seeking assurances from ministers to collaborate on an amendment that upholds accountability without compromising national security measures.
Victims Minister Alex Davies-Jones affirmed the commitment to the legislation, underlining the government’s pledge to support families in times of crisis and restore trust between the public and the state through transparent and secure measures.