Families impacted by the tragedy at the Manchester Arena bombing have expressed their reservations regarding the proposed Hillsborough law aimed at preventing cover-ups. They recently met with Sir Keir Starmer to address concerns about potential exemptions for intelligence services within the law’s duty of candor. Despite the meeting, they were left dissatisfied with the outcome.
Ruth Leney, chair of the Manchester Arena Support Network, acknowledged Sir Keir’s receptiveness but emphasized the need for full accountability without diluting any provisions, especially concerning security services. Campaigners cautioned that the current draft of the Hillsborough Law, also known as the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, could allow intelligence agencies to shield significant failures under the guise of national security.
The meeting referenced the 2017 Arena bombing, where MI5 faced criticism for withholding crucial intelligence on the perpetrator, resulting in a public inquiry revealing discrepancies in information sharing. In response to concerns raised by campaigners, Sir Keir reaffirmed the application of the duty of candor to intelligence services, asserting that proposed amendments maintain the necessary balance to protect national security.
Recent government amendments have extended the law’s jurisdiction to include intelligence agencies such as MI5, MI6, and GCHQ, subject to approval from their respective heads. However, critics like Elkan Abrahamson from the Hillsborough Law Now campaign argue that these changes grant unchecked authority to security service heads, potentially hindering transparency and accountability.
The families of victims, including Caroline Curry and Lisa Rutherford, expressed distress over the proposed amendments, feeling betrayed and advocating for honesty and transparency in the legislative process. Despite the setback, MPs have postponed the Hillsborough Law debate to January 19 to address the concerns raised by campaigners.
The Hillsborough Law, named after the 1989 stadium disaster, seeks to prevent misinformation and hold authorities accountable for their actions. While government sources stress the importance of national security, they affirm ongoing collaboration with families to strengthen the bill without compromising security interests.
Liverpool Labour MP Ian Byrne remains resolute in pushing for amendments that fully encompass security services under the law’s provisions, reflecting the sentiment of about 30 supporting Labour MPs. The government’s stance on security services’ involvement has sparked criticism, with campaigners urging for a more transparent and inclusive approach to ensure justice and accountability for victims and their families.