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Public Office (Accountability) Bill 2025-11-03
03 November 2025
Lead MP
Keir Starmer
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Justice & CourtsNorthern Ireland
Other Contributors: 70
At a Glance
Keir Starmer raised concerns about public office (accountability) bill 2025-11-03 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The Prime Minister opened the debate by paying tribute to those involved in a recent train attack, reflecting on the Hillsborough disaster, acknowledging the failure of the British state towards victims' families, and proposing the Public Office Accountability Bill to ensure transparency and accountability. He emphasised that this Bill aims to correct injustices against marginalised groups and ensure a duty of candour from public officials.
Andy Slaughter
Lab
Hammersmith and Chiswick
Mr Slaughter highlighted the need for an acknowledgment of media involvement in cover-ups, as well as a national oversight mechanism to ensure recommendations are carried out.
Jim Allister
TUV
North Antrim
Mr Allister suggested including the Chinook disaster, where there have been repeated attempts to cover up the truth about the state of aircraft in which members of the intelligence service lost their lives.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Mr Shannon commended the Bill for addressing public scrutiny and restoring trust, emphasising that nothing less than accountability is acceptable.
Knowsley
Ms Midgley requested a promise from the Prime Minister to not water down the law as assured to Charlotte Hennessy, whose father was unlawfully killed at Hillsborough.
Ayoub Khan
Ind
Birmingham Perry Barr
Mr Khan emphasised that truth delayed is justice denied and urged for a duty of candour to apply to Ministers themselves when addressing the House.
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Ms Roberts welcomed the Bill's introduction, asking if new offences would be able to apply retrospectively. The Prime Minister clarified that they will not but emphasised that these measures would apply across the UK.
Jeremy Wright
Con
Kenilworth and Southam
Mr Wright acknowledged the strength of the case made by the Prime Minister, inquiring about clause 6 exemptions for intelligence agencies and suggesting thought be given to how information reported internally within these organisations should be handled.
Tessa Munt
LD
Wells and Mendip Hills
Welcomes the Bill but asks the Prime Minister to reassure constituents that private bodies and contractors will also be covered under the provisions of the Bill.
Maria Eagle
Lab
Liverpool Garston
Highlights the failure of the legal system in providing truth and justice to Hillsborough families over two decades, advocating for future inclusion of a process similar to the Hillsborough Independent Panel to ensure quick access to truth and accountability.
Yasmin Qureshi
Lab
Bolton South and Walkden
Questions whether the duty of candour can be applied fully to all investigations, including independent panels. Emphasises the need for personal responsibility rather than institutional blame.
Rosie Wrighting
Lab
Kettering
Supports the Bill's accountability measures and seeks assurance that public officials who abuse their power will be held accountable, referencing local concerns about toxic waste and contaminated land issues.
Carla Lockhart
DUP
Upper Bann
Requests a meeting with families of the Chinook disaster to discuss how the Bill can cover them and ensure justice for their loss.
Imran Hussain
Lab
Bradford East
Pays tribute to Ian Byrne's campaigning efforts and supports the guarantee of legal aid at inquests as a means to end David and Goliath battles for justice, aiming for equality in legal representation.
Kieran Mullan
Con
Bexhill and Battle
Today’s debate focuses on the Hillsborough disaster, where 97 lives were lost in 1989. The tragedy was compounded by subsequent cover-ups and lies that obscured the truth. We reflect on other cases of institutional defensiveness, such as contaminated blood scandals and postmasters’ experiences with the Post Office. Measures like legal representation changes, police candour offences, and the Independent Public Advocate are steps towards greater accountability but more remains to be done.
Chris Philp
Con
Dover
The Bill will be welcomed by campaigners and Members who have long called for its measures. It aims to stop the voice of the state and public bodies from drowning out the voices of constituents, addressing issues such as use of resources or misconduct. The principle is to ensure that public officials are held accountable for their actions.
Maria Eagle
Lab
Liverpool Garston
Supports the legislation, highlighting its duty of candour and equality of arms provisions which will make a difference. However, she argues that the Bill should boost the powers and capabilities of the new Independent Public Advocate's office. Maria has long been involved with Hillsborough families, noting the legal system's failure to provide justice for over 28 years. She emphasises the need for truth, accountability, and timely justice, criticising previous cover-ups and false narratives. Eagles believes that while these measures are positive, they do not guarantee complete resolution of issues like those seen in Hillsborough.
Jess Brown-Fuller
Lib Dem
Chichester
The MP paid tribute to campaigners for their perseverance over 36 years. She emphasised that the Bill would allow basic values of fairness within the justice system and push for cultural change in public organisations, ensuring transparency and accountability. However, she also expressed concerns about the limitations on legal aid support and the need for stronger protections for whistleblowers.
Title Not Provided
Cons
Not Applicable
Called for integrity, highlighted the need to strengthen accountability and transparency within social media companies. Suggested extending duty of candour to social media organisations.
Justin Madders
Lab
Ellesmere Port and Bromborough
Discussed the importance of the Bill in preventing cover-ups and ensuring public bodies act transparently. Highlighted concerns over equality before the law, suggesting an independent way to monitor implementation and enforcement.
Honiton and Sidmouth
Asked about additional oversight for intelligence agencies under the Bill's provisions regarding security and intelligence material. Raised concerns about exemptions in clause 11, specifically regarding harm requirement and exclusion of devolved bodies.
John Glen
Con
Salisbury
Paid tribute to victims affected by various scandals such as Hillsborough and the infected blood scandal. Stressed the need for greater scrutiny of public bodies and advocated examining what should happen in public inquiries.
Ian Byrne
Lab
Liverpool West Derby
The Bill aims to stop cover-ups and save public money. It is a culmination of over three decades of advocacy by campaigners seeking social justice, many of whom are present in the Gallery today.
Peter Dowd
Lab
Bootle
After years of disappointment and disillusionment, the Bill marks a significant milestone. It is not an end but rather a foundation for further work, including drafting the code of practice with input from families to ensure enforceable provisions. Campaigners have every right to be cautious about the process. The legislation will serve as a living monument to those who lost lives and fought for justice.
Tom Morrison
LD
Cheadle
The Bill is not just about Hillsborough; it addresses how we hold power accountable in cases of state failures. It should have been introduced earlier, as delays caused immense suffering to victims and their families. The legislation aims to ensure that silence no longer prevails in the face of wrongdoing, public organisations cannot place reputation management above truth.
David Baines
Lab
St Helens North
The Bill is a result of long-term campaigning by victims and families. It aims to ensure that nobody has to fight the state for truth and justice after losing a loved one, as Hillsborough families have done.
Sorcha Eastwood
Alliance
Lagan Valley
I echo many other Members across the House in paying tribute to the Hillsborough families. This Bill is all about service to people and service to community. When I entered Parliament last year, I found a kindred spirit in my friend, the hon. Member for Liverpool West Derby (Ian Byrne). This subject is personal to me and my constituents, because many people in Lagan Valley and Northern Ireland were impacted by the infected blood scandal; some of those families are my constituents. This matter transcends politics, and it has been heartening to hear that echoed across the House today. This legislation represents the UK Government finally recognising that honesty and transparency are not optional virtues; they are the foundations of justice.
David Baines
Con
Chichester
The hon. Member for Chichester agrees with the need to strengthen the Bill but notes that this is just another step in a long process towards truth, justice and accountability.
Seamus Logan
SNP
Aberdeenshire North and Moray East
The hon. Member for Aberdeenshire North and Moray East supports the Bill and expresses the need to change the culture of secrecy and cover-ups in public life across Scotland and the UK, with the establishment of an office for whistleblowers as a key outcome.
Paula Barker
Lab
Liverpool Wavertree
The hon. Member for Liverpool Wavertree supports the Bill, paying tribute to the families of those killed at Hillsborough and emphasising the need for solidarity in fighting injustices. She thanks the Prime Minister for delivering on manifesto promises and reiterates the importance of full implementation without weakening.
The Bill before us does not contain any references to Leveson 2 or the role of the press and is exclusively focused on public officials and authorities. As welcome as that is, I would be grateful if the Prime Minister could update the House as soon as possible—I note that he is no longer in his place. Will he consider establishing a public inquiry into the relationship between the police and The Sun? Will he keep his promises by meeting with victims of press abuses and working with them to introduce further legislation to tackle press standards and corruption?
Tessa Munt
LD
Wells and Mendip Hills
The Bill places new obligations of transparency and frankness on public authorities and officials, leaving them nowhere to hide from public scrutiny of their actions. I absolutely applaud those aims. We have been offered the opportunity to strengthen the Bill, and I have a contribution to make that stems from more than a decade of listening to whistleblowers.
Knowsley
That day in April 1989 will never leave us. Fans went to the match and never came home. They were not lost; they were unlawfully killed. Authorities protecting themselves; decades of denial, distortion, and lies; a press slandering the dead and the grieving; a cover-up and systematic failure of the state that cut deeper and lasted longer than anyone could have imagined—and still not one successful prosecution.
Jim Allister
TUV
North Antrim
Welcomes the Bill but raises concerns about its scope and application across the United Kingdom. Criticises that criminal sanctions only apply to public inquiries, not general duties of candour. Expresses disappointment over clauses not applying to Scotland or Northern Ireland.
Glasgow West
Explains that the Scottish Government would need to agree to a legislative consent motion for certain sections of the Bill to apply in Scotland. Emphasises that justice is devolved and valued by the Scottish Parliament.
Supports Jim Allister's argument about the sovereignty of Westminster, suggesting it has intervened in Northern Ireland laws before.
Calls for the Government to improve the Bill and ensure that duty of candour applies across the United Kingdom.
Kim Johnson
Lab
Liverpool Riverside
Supports the Bill as a step towards truth and justice, recognising the tireless efforts of families and campaigners. Warns against potential watering down in the House of Lords.
Ian Byrne
Lab
Liverpool West Derby
The need for change is clear. It is vital that we have a Hillsborough law worthy of the name. The Bill requires the state and its agents to tell the truth about their misconduct, and gives rights to the victims.
Gill Furniss
Lab
Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough
The failure to hold public officials accountable when they are at fault has been the foundation of innumerable scandals in our history. The Bill is long overdue, and I apologise to the people sitting in the Gallery for that.
Andy Slaughter
Lab
Hammersmith and Chiswick
The Bill requires the state and its agents to tell the truth about their misconduct, and gives rights to the victims. However, clause 11 provides an exemption from the offence of misleading the public for acts done 'for the purposes of journalism.' We know all too well from Hillsborough that the actions of the media can lead to injustice for victims.
Abtisam Mohamed
Lab
Sheffield Central
Welcomes the Bill but expresses frustration at delay; highlights systemic failures in supporting victims and families of tragedies like Hillsborough, Grenfell, Horizon scandal, infected blood scandal. Stresses importance of fair access to justice and duty of candour for public bodies.
Nia Griffith
Lab
Llanelli
Pays tribute to the Hillsborough families and others fighting against cover-ups; welcomes the Bill but criticises past delays. Emphasises need for accountability, prevention of further victims through duty of candour. Asks if Bill can apply to Orgreave inquiry and whether action can be taken on potential destruction of evidence. Urges for press regulation reform.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham
Calls the legislation long overdue; highlights systemic issues where state deception has led to delays in justice, using examples like contaminated blood scandal and nuclear test veterans. Criticises state for placing itself above people and failing to offer redress.
John McDonnell
Lab
Hayes and Harlington
I pay tribute to all the campaigners, but I want to pay special tribute to the Scouse MPs, who in the last few months put their foot down and said that they were having nothing but the Hillsborough Bill. I would like someone to make it clear from the Dispatch Box that there is a duty to co-operate with the complainants or the victims in the pursuit of truth. In my constituent's case, we discovered later that police resources were applied not to investigate his disappearance but to surveil our campaign and provide information to employers which led to workers being blacklisted for life.
Gordon McKee
Lab
Glasgow South
The Hillsborough disaster was a collapse of trust where public officials treated victims as problems to be managed rather than people to be protected. This Bill aims to impose accountability on all who hold state authority, ensuring that the truth sits above all else in a democracy.
Lorraine Beavers
Lab
Blackpool North and Fleetwood
Supporting the Public Office (Accountability) Bill as it was born out of a state-sponsored injustice against working-class people. The bill seeks to ensure that when the system fails, no one is held accountable and families are left fighting for decades just to be heard.
This Bill begins to change that. The new duty of candour says to every public official, “You work for the people of this country, and when something goes wrong, you tell them the truth—no more cover-ups, and no more protecting institutions over people’s lives.” It will make honesty a legal duty and create criminal offences for those who mislead the public or obstruct investigations. That matters, because we have all seen the cost of denial—from Hillsborough to Grenfell, from the Post Office scandal to infected blood—and this Bill will help to end that culture once and for all. The extension of legal aid at inquests and inquiries finally levels the playing field, with no more families having to crowdfund or face state-funded lawyers alone in the fight of their lives. That gives ordinary people a fair chance, a voice and the power to hold the state to account.
Ian Lavery
Lab
Blyth and Ashington
I thank the Government so much for bringing this much-needed, vital Bill to the House. It shows what a Labour Government can actually do, and how a Labour Government can effect change... The tragedies we have all lived through—the Hillsborough disaster, Orgreave, Windrush, Grenfell, the Post Office Horizon scandal, the contaminated blood scandal, plus many, many more—are not isolated events. They are symptoms of a deeper sickness: a system that protects power over people, reputation over responsibility, and privilege over truth... It is about legacy, truth and accountability. It has been said today in this Chamber that this was like people turning a blind eye to what happened. It is not turning a blind eye, for heaven’s sake! It is about huge, detailed, organised and orchestrated deliberate cover-ups using billions of taxpayer pounds against ordinary working people... What an absolute disgrace. They were allowed to trample on the graves of the victims in the belief that they could do whatever they wanted, because they were the ones with the power and the influence.
Yasmin Qureshi
Lab
Bolton South and Walkden
I am proud to support this important Bill and to pay tribute to the Hillsborough families... The Primodos scandal has been known about for decades. What has been missing is not information, but honesty... In 1967, Dr Isabel Gal published research in Nature showing a possible link between hormone pregnancy tests and birth defects... It was a David versus Goliath battle, with ordinary families facing the full legal force of the state and a global corporation... This Bill could hope to change that. It establishes a duty of candour, a duty to assist investigation and the principle of parity of arms, which seeks to ensure that families are not denied justice because they lack resources.
Liam Conlon
Lab
Beckenham and Penge
I start by saying that it was fantastic to have Hillsborough law campaigners in the Gallery today... We should not forget why this legislation matters. All the campaigns supporting the Hillsborough law are distinct: victims of Hillsborough, the infected blood scandal, Grenfell and Horizon, the covid-19 bereaved families, victims of the Windrush scandal, the troubles and many more... The human consequences are severe. Mr Kalia, a victim of the Post Office Horizon scandal from Bromley, which I represent, found his own children mistrusting him after he was unable to clear his name... This Government have the potential to put an end to these obstacles and create a turning point in transparency, accountability and justice in public life.
Lizzi Collinge
Lab
Morecambe and Lunesdale
The Hillsborough law is not an historical problem but something constituents need right now. I highlighted the case of Vicki, a constituent who suffered from autoimmune diseases and tragically died due to misdiagnosis and delays in treatment. Her family's experience echoes that of other victims' families who feel their pain compounded by institutional cover-ups. The Bill must protect victims and their families from prolonged trauma, ensuring honesty, accountability and humanity.
John Grady
Lab
Glasgow East
Welcomes the provisions in chapter 2 of part 2 that require public bodies to operate with the highest ethical conduct. Raised concerns about transparency issues at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, urging for a change in culture and support for Milly's law. Asked questions regarding the Bill’s application in Scotland and requested clarification on why certain provisions do not extend to Scotland.
Marie Tidball
Lab
Penistone and Stocksbridge
Further contributions from other Labour MPs, emphasising the need for justice and accountability in cases of institutional failures. Calls for transparency and support for victims' families seeking truth and fairness.
Agrees that the Bill will be particularly important for people who have been disabled by public gross negligence.
Phil Brickell
Lab
Bolton West
Welcomes the Bill and highlights the importance of restoring trust in public servants. Emphasises the need for honesty, fairness, and accountability in public service. Proposes three amendments to ensure consistency and enforceability.
John Slinger
Lab
Rugby
Supports the Bill's measures to address public disillusionment and the lack of successful prosecutions in cases of egregious state failure. Emphasises the importance of the duty of candour and new statutory offences.
Sarah Smith
Lab
Hyndburn
Acknowledges the courage and resilience of bereaved families and highlights the Bill's measures to ensure parity of representation in legal proceedings. Emphasises the need for implementation of learnings from inquests or inquiries.
Josh Newbury
Lab
Cannock Chase
The Bill is important as it addresses historical wrongs, like the Orgreave incident where miners were arrested for peacefully protesting. It signals a shift in responsibilities and aims to prevent future injustices by ensuring transparency and accountability from public servants.
Jessica Toale
Lab
Bournemouth West
The Bill is significant as it could shed light on pharmaceutical scandals like the DES drug issue, where women were prescribed a drug that caused health problems across generations. It aims to ensure transparency and accountability from regulatory bodies.
Brian Leishman
Ind
Alloa and Grangemouth
The Bill is crucial as it addresses long-standing injustices such as the Orgreave incident, Hillsborough disaster, and Grenfell tragedy. It aims to ensure that victims receive justice and accountability from public institutions.
Derby North
The Bill is necessary as it fights against state cover-ups and provides transparency and accountability for families who have endured injustices after losing loved ones. It aims to prevent future obstructions of justice.
Paul Waugh
Lab/Co-op
Rochdale
Welcomes the Hillsborough Bill, highlighting it as a fundamental rebalancing of power between state and citizens. Emphasises the cases of nuclear test veterans like John Morris and victims of Primodos drug, advocating for justice and recognition from the government.
Mike Wood
Con
Kingswinford and South Staffordshire
Supports the Hillsborough Bill, recognising its importance in ensuring accountability and candour. Acknowledges concerns about unintended consequences and calls for scrutiny to ensure effective implementation without impeding public services.
Haltemprice and Howden
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice closed the Second Reading debate on the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, emphasising its significance as a result of tireless efforts by Hillsborough families. She acknowledged the contributions of individuals like Nathan, Pete, Elkan, Deb, Clare and Debbie from Hillsborough Law Now, and thanked family members who lost loved ones at Hillsborough for their persistent advocacy. Davies-Jones highlighted the importance of legal aid expansion and shared the story of William Powell, whose son Robbie died due to medical negligence, illustrating why the Bill is needed.
Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe
David Chadwick asked whether Will Powell's case, described as the worst cover-up in NHS history, meets the conditions for a public inquiry. He noted that this has been called for by the former Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman.
Nia Griffith
Lab
Llanelli
Proud of Labour Government's initiative in bringing forward the Bill after only a year in office, emphasising the long-standing failure of previous governments to address whistleblower protection issues.
Tessa Munt
Con
Wells and Mendip Hills
Requested meeting with Alex Davies-Jones regarding whistleblowing concerns. Highlighted the importance of addressing whistleblowers' rights within public authorities effectively.
Justin Madders
Lab
Ellesmere Port and Bromborough
Emphasised the need for reasonableness, proportionality, and fairness in legal aid provisions under the Bill. Assured that coroners have powers to enforce reasonable and proportionate measures to ensure families are not overwhelmed by barristers.
David Baines
Lab
St Helens North
Contributed to support the Bill, highlighting its importance for inquest reform and inquiry reform more broadly. Emphasised the need for a strong Bill that covers everyone including security services.
Proposed the debate on the Public Office (Accountability) Bill.
Government Response
The Government's response includes provisions for a duty of candour from public officials, criminal penalties for failure to comply with this duty, and an amendment extending the duty to local authority investigations in England. The Bill also provides for certain exemptions for those working in intelligence agencies. Welcomes Jim Allister's comments but clarifies that the Bill aims to apply across all nations within the UK, though certain clauses do not extend due to devolved competences. Emphasises engagement with Scotland and Northern Ireland. Minister Alex Davies-Jones outlined her support for the Bill, emphasising its importance as a result of advocacy from Hillsborough families. She thanked various organisations and individuals who contributed to shaping the bill. Davies-Jones confirmed that duty of candour provisions will apply UK-wide but acknowledged limitations due to devolved justice systems in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Shadow Response
None
Shadow Response
We welcome the Bill’s aims but must scrutinise closely. Questions arise about legal clarity, interpretation of public interest, and whether the proposed changes will ensure accountability at senior levels. We need reassurance on these points to ensure justice for those affected by institutional failures.
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Assessment & feedback
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