Hillsborough Law Faces Backlash Over Intelligence Service Accountability
Published 14 January 2026
Highlights
- Families of Manchester Arena bombing victims oppose the current Hillsborough Law draft, citing insufficient accountability for MI5 and other intelligence services.
- The proposed law, known as the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, aims to enforce a "duty of candour" on public officials but allows intelligence chiefs discretion over evidence disclosure.
- Campaigners argue the bill's amendments could enable intelligence services to obscure failures under national security claims.
- Labour MPs, including Ian Byrne, may rebel against the bill unless it mandates individual accountability for intelligence officers.
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces criticism for not addressing families' concerns, risking political fallout and potential legislative setbacks.
-
Rewritten Article
Headline: Hillsborough Law Faces Backlash Over Intelligence Service Accountability
Families of the Manchester Arena bombing victims have expressed strong opposition to the current draft of the Hillsborough Law, arguing that it fails to hold intelligence services, such as MI5, adequately accountable. The proposed legislation, formally known as the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, seeks to impose a "duty of candour" on public officials, requiring them to be truthful and assist inquiries following disasters. However, the bill's current form allows intelligence chiefs to decide how much information is disclosed, raising concerns among campaigners.
Concerns Over Intelligence Service Exemptions
The controversy centers on the bill's provisions that grant MI5, MI6, and GCHQ the power to determine the extent of their cooperation with inquiries, potentially shielding them from full accountability. This has sparked outrage among families of the 22 victims killed in the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, who argue that the intelligence services' previous failures should not be concealed under the guise of national security. Caroline Curry, whose son Liam was among those killed, voiced her frustration, stating, "As it’s proposed at the moment, the government’s bill is still giving carte blanche to the security services."
Political Implications and Labour's Dilemma
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who met with campaigners on Wednesday, is now facing potential rebellion from Labour MPs. Ian Byrne, a Labour MP, has submitted an amendment to ensure individual accountability for intelligence officers, emphasizing that he cannot support the bill in its current state. The situation poses a significant challenge for Starmer, who had previously been praised for advancing the legislation. A government spokesperson acknowledged the families' concerns, stating, "We have listened to their concerns on how the duty of candour will apply to the security services."
Families Demand Comprehensive Accountability
Campaigners, including Ruth Leney of the Manchester Arena Support Network, insist that the bill must apply uniformly to all public authorities, without exceptions for intelligence services. Leney remarked, "It's got to be all or nothing, they can't water down anything, especially with the security services." The families' demands for transparency and accountability echo the broader call for justice and truth in the wake of the tragedy.
-
Scenario Analysis
The ongoing debate over the Hillsborough Law highlights the delicate balance between national security and public accountability. Should the government fail to address the families' concerns, it risks alienating key supporters and facing legislative hurdles. If Labour MPs rebel, it could lead to significant political ramifications for Keir Starmer's leadership. Experts suggest that a compromise may be necessary, potentially involving independent oversight to ensure intelligence services' accountability without compromising national security. As discussions continue, the outcome will likely shape the future of public accountability in the UK.
Families of the Manchester Arena bombing victims have expressed strong opposition to the current draft of the Hillsborough Law, arguing that it fails to hold intelligence services, such as MI5, adequately accountable. The proposed legislation, formally known as the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, seeks to impose a "duty of candour" on public officials, requiring them to be truthful and assist inquiries following disasters. However, the bill's current form allows intelligence chiefs to decide how much information is disclosed, raising concerns among campaigners.
Concerns Over Intelligence Service Exemptions
The controversy centers on the bill's provisions that grant MI5, MI6, and GCHQ the power to determine the extent of their cooperation with inquiries, potentially shielding them from full accountability. This has sparked outrage among families of the 22 victims killed in the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, who argue that the intelligence services' previous failures should not be concealed under the guise of national security. Caroline Curry, whose son Liam was among those killed, voiced her frustration, stating, "As it’s proposed at the moment, the government’s bill is still giving carte blanche to the security services."
Political Implications and Labour's Dilemma
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who met with campaigners on Wednesday, is now facing potential rebellion from Labour MPs. Ian Byrne, a Labour MP, has submitted an amendment to ensure individual accountability for intelligence officers, emphasizing that he cannot support the bill in its current state. The situation poses a significant challenge for Starmer, who had previously been praised for advancing the legislation. A government spokesperson acknowledged the families' concerns, stating, "We have listened to their concerns on how the duty of candour will apply to the security services."
Families Demand Comprehensive Accountability
Campaigners, including Ruth Leney of the Manchester Arena Support Network, insist that the bill must apply uniformly to all public authorities, without exceptions for intelligence services. Leney remarked, "It's got to be all or nothing, they can't water down anything, especially with the security services." The families' demands for transparency and accountability echo the broader call for justice and truth in the wake of the tragedy.
What this might mean
The ongoing debate over the Hillsborough Law highlights the delicate balance between national security and public accountability. Should the government fail to address the families' concerns, it risks alienating key supporters and facing legislative hurdles. If Labour MPs rebel, it could lead to significant political ramifications for Keir Starmer's leadership. Experts suggest that a compromise may be necessary, potentially involving independent oversight to ensure intelligence services' accountability without compromising national security. As discussions continue, the outcome will likely shape the future of public accountability in the UK.
