STORY
The Government has said its proposed Hillsborough law will impose a duty of candour without creating an exemption for the security services. Ministers are seeking to complete the legislation during Keir Starmer’s final week as Prime Minister after months of negotiation over sensitive information.
Victims Minister Catherine Atkinson said safeguards would allow information to be handled securely and appropriately while preserving the central duty on public bodies and officials to act honestly. Campaigners welcomed the assurance that the law would apply across Government.
The legislation is intended to prevent institutional defensiveness and cover-ups following public disasters and scandals. Families affected by Hillsborough have campaigned for a statutory duty of candour and stronger accountability for public authorities.