Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged his deep commitment to delivering a Hillsborough Law but stated that protecting national security remains his paramount duty, following a major controversy over a proposed exemption for intelligence agencies.
Debate Abandoned at the Eleventh Hour
A crucial parliamentary debate on the landmark Public Accountability Bill, widely known as the Hillsborough Law, was dramatically pulled on Sunday night. It was scheduled for Monday, 19 January 2026, but was scrapped following intense backlash from bereaved families and MPs.
The row centred on a last-minute amendment relating to MI5 and MI6. Campaigners feared the clause could allow the security services to avoid a new legal duty to cooperate fully and truthfully with public inquiries and inquests. The proposed change sparked fears of a potential state cover-up mechanism.
Starmer's Balancing Act: Justice vs Security
Facing pressure, Keir Starmer addressed the issue at a press conference. "I care hugely that we get this right, that we right the wrongs for very many families who've been let down, and ensure a better future for families in the future," the Prime Minister told The Mirror.
He emphasised the need for balance, stating: "What we're now trying to do is just make sure we get the balance right when it comes to the application of any principle to the security and intelligence agencies." Starmer underlined that his primary duty is to keep the country safe, which is why the government is taking time to refine the legislation.
Families' Fury and Campaigners' Warnings
The backlash was led by families affected by the 1989 Hillsborough disaster and the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing. The Manchester families, in a letter to the PM, highlighted that the public inquiry found MI5 had presented an "inaccurate" picture of intelligence on the bomber. They demanded: “How many times must MI5 show that it cannot be trusted before something is done?”
Before the amendment was withdrawn, ministers faced a Labour revolt spearheaded by Liverpool West Derby MP Ian Byrne. Hillsborough campaigner Charlotte Hennessy, whose father James died in the tragedy, warned that the bill must pass through the Commons without being weakened.
Following a meeting with ministers, she said campaigners had sought reassurances against a carve-out for intelligence services. "We are pleased with the outcome of the meeting," Hennessy stated. "It is vital the Public Accountability bill leaves the Commons with the support of families and in its entirety."
The government's next steps on the bill, which was introduced at the Labour conference last year by Hillsborough mother Margaret Aspinall, are now under intense scrutiny as it seeks to reconcile transparency for bereaved families with national security protocols.
