House of Commons · Bill Debate
27 April 2026 · 9 other contributors
Opened by Alex Davies-Jones Lab Carmarthen East and Dinefwr
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Alex Davies-Jones raised concerns about public office (accountability) bill - motion to carry over proceedings to the next session in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The motion is procedural, allowing the Public Office (Accountability) Bill to be carried over to the next session. The Government remains committed to delivering this landmark bill which aims to rebuild trust between the public and state by ensuring accountability, transparency, and candour in official investigations. It introduces a duty of candour for public servants and new criminal offences to prevent cover-ups or withholding information during inquiries.
Supports the Bill, highlighting that it addresses more than just the Hillsborough tragedy and speaks to broader issues of public bodies withholding information or creating a 'culture of circling the wagons'. Emphasises that the duty of candour should be about restoring trust rather than merely being paperwork.
Calls for hope from the Bill, specifically for families affected by the Mull of Kintyre tragedy. Expresses concern over long document retention periods and lack of transparency regarding the Chinook disaster.
The speaker supports the Bill, praising the Minister for her work in ensuring that campaigners' voices are heard. He emphasises the importance of delivering on the promise made to the Hillsborough families. The Bill is crucial to prevent wrongful blame and obfuscation by public bodies. Although there are differences regarding security services disclosures, he hopes for a workable solution. He urges the Minister to provide assurances about timescales for Report stage.
Supports the Hillsborough law for its importance in restoring trust in state officials. Criticises delays caused by broken promises and media leaks, stressing the need to include security services under a duty of candour. Emphasises the necessity for clear provisions ensuring no backsliding on initial commitments.
Acknowledges Margaret Aspinall and Charlotte Hennessy's families' continued struggle. Urges the Government to proceed with urgency, ensuring no further leaks or delays. Quotes the families' plea for inclusion in the process and fulfillment of promises made by the Prime Minister. Reminds MPs that this Bill is about protecting others from corrupt practices.
Called for urgent action to deliver a full Hillsborough law, criticised the Government's delay, and supported amendments that remove carve-outs for security services. Emphasised the importance of political will in resolving disputes with vested interests.
Expressed gratitude to Ian Byrne and Paula Barker for their efforts on the Hillsborough law. Acknowledged the importance of bringing forward legislative change, but did not provide detailed arguments against exemptions for security services.
Paid tribute to victims' families and criticised the need for an exemption from duty of candour for security services. Cited existing legal provisions that safeguard national security while ensuring transparency, and emphasised the importance of full accountability in preventing future failures.
Thanked Members for their support of the Bill and reiterated its importance to victims. Emphasised that there will be no carve-out for security services, who will be covered by the duty of candour and criminal offences in the Bill. Committed to working with campaigners, security services, and other stakeholders to ensure the Bill's success. Acknowledged the work of families and campaigners such as Jenni Hicks and Charlotte Hennessy, and condemned media briefings that do not represent Government’s position. Vowed to bring the Bill back only once there is full agreement with the families.