Public Office (Accountability) Bill 2026-01-19

Timothy criticised the government for delaying progress on the Bill despite repeated promises to families affected by state failures. He questioned the government's ability to find a solution and proposed specific questions about timelines, decision-making processes involving intelligence agencies, and international perspectives.

Byrne thanked the Minister for pausing the Bill but expressed concern over the delay in adopting amendment 23 which is supported by Hillsborough campaigners. He asked for clarification on why this amendment was not adopted and requested a clear timeline to avoid further delays.

The Minister acknowledged the work of campaigners and committed to working with other parliamentarians, including the Intelligence and Security Committee, to find a way forward on the Bill. She emphasised that while the Bill is not kicking into the long grass, it must be done correctly and at pace without an arbitrary deadline. The Minister also discussed the need for collaboration between government officials and campaigners to ensure the legislation includes clear binding provisions.

The Liberal Democrat spokesperson expressed frustration with the current state of limbo regarding the Hillsborough Bill, despite initial commitments by the Government. She criticised the carve-out for security services and requested that when presenting the Bill to the House, it should include a duty of candour applicable to all in intelligence services. The Lib Dem also asked for a commitment to ensure Report and Third Reading will take place promptly.

Barker paid tribute to the families, campaigners, and MPs involved in the case. She expressed concern about the direction of travel regarding the Bill's compatibility with national security and urged the Minister to continue working closely with victims' families.

Fox sought clarification from the minister on whether heads of intelligence services should determine what information is provided in investigations, questioning if it was possible for individual agents to be subject to duty of candour without creating security risks.

Midgley criticised the response from the shadow Justice Secretary as inappropriate while families were present. She urged the Minister to work closely with the families and introduce an amendment that fully satisfies them on duty of candour.

Simmonds raised concerns over ambiguity in the accountability at the heart of the Bill regarding disclosure oversight. He asked for clarity on who should make decisions about information disclosure to ensure effective oversight.

Stated commitment to solving a complex issue involving national security, intelligence services oversight and accountability. Emphasised working with families, parliamentarians, and government departments to ensure protection, oversight and an amendment that families can support without compromising national security.

Acknowledged the Minister's efforts to earn trust of the Hillsborough families. Called for public statements confirming agreement on the Bill, to counteract misleading headlines and political point-scoring.

Welcomed support from colleagues in championing the Hillsborough law. Described the bill as expanding legal aid for those affected by state-involved deaths, introducing new criminal offences of misconduct in public office and misleading the public, aiming to improve British life's culture.

Questioned Government's reluctance on accepting amendment 23. Stressed the importance of transparency from security services given their history of misleading truth.

Asked for assurance that families will have full involvement and support in future stages of the Bill, highlighting emotional toll on victims' relatives and campaigners over years.

Inquired about applicability of the bill to military intelligence services and special forces operations with no exceptions for retroactive application.

Welcomed delay, emphasising that it is not just about Hillsborough families but also victims of other state-related scandals. Supported the need for a duty of candour from all public authorities including security services.

Paid tribute to Minister's collaborative efforts, endorsed amendment 23. Asked if next draft will include a role for the Intelligence and Security Committee.

Welcomed the importance of changing the culture and ensuring full truth. Mentioned a visit to Liverpool next week to learn from world-leading work on duty of candour for public authorities. Emphasised ongoing work with Northern Ireland Assembly, Scottish Parliament, and Welsh Government.

Thanked the Minister and praised Liverpool MPs for achieving balance between citizens and security agencies in the Bill. Asked for Minister to collaborate with Northern Ireland Assembly on ensuring duty of candour applies UK-wide.

Acknowledged the importance of the campaign for the Hillsborough law led by ordinary people and praised Government's decision to pull back from a previous stance. Asked Minister to confirm that duty of candour applies to security services as well, and that an amendment is still under consideration.

Asked for updates on discussions with the Scottish Government regarding non-means tested legal aid access for families in fatal accident inquiries and inquests.

Shared personal experience related to a terrorist attack at Manchester Victoria station and expressed gladness that victims' voices are being heard. Asked Minister to confirm commitment to ensuring the voices of all victims and families of state cover-ups will be central in future legislation.