MPs had been due to debate the landmark bill to prevent state-cover ups today but it was pulled from the Commons at the eleventh hour after fury from bereaved families and MPs
Keir Starmer has insisted he cares “hugely” about Hillsborough Law but national security must come first amid fears over a potential get-out clause for spies.
MPs were due to debate the landmark bill to prevent state-cover ups today but it was ditched at the eleventh hour after a massive backlash from bereaved families and MPs.
The row centres on an amendment relating to MI5 and MI6, which campaigners fear could be used to help the spooks dodge being bound by a legal duty to cooperate truthfully with inquiries.
Ministers had been facing a Labour revolt led by Liverpool West Derby MP Ian Byrne before the amendment was pulled, and the whole debate was later abandoned on Sunday night.
The Prime Minister has repeatedly promised survivors of the 1989 football disaster that the bill would not be watered down, and was introduced at Labour conference last year by Margaret Aspinall, whose son James was killed in the crush.
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He told The Mirror at a press conference: “I care hugely that we get this right, that we right the wrongs for very many families who’ve been let down, and ensure a better future for families in the future.”
He added: “What we’re now trying to do is just make sure we get the balance right when it comes to the application of any principle to the security and intelligence agencies.
“Obviously, I have to focus on the national interest. My primary duty as Prime Minister, which is to keep this country safe and secure, that is the duty I hold above all other duties. And I take it really seriously, which is why we’re just taking time to make sure that we get that balance absolutely right.”
It follows pressure from families bereaved by the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, who said the security services had failed them and must be included in the law.
The public inquiry found MI5 had presented an “inaccurate” picture about the crucial intelligence it held on the bomber before the attack. “How many times must MI5 show that it cannot be trusted before something is done?” the families told the PM in a letter.
Hillsborough campaigners tonight warned ministers the Bill must make it through the Commons unscathed. Charlotte Hennessy, whose dad James died at Hillsborough, told The Mirror: “Members of the [Hillsborough Law Now] campaign and Hillsborough families have met ministers today and sought reassurances that they will continue to work with us to agree on an amendment that prevents a carve out for the intelligence services without changing existing national security safeguards.
“We are pleased with the outcome of the meeting. It is vital the Public Accountability bill leaves the Commons with the support of families and in its entirety.”