{ "title": "Hillsborough Law Set to Advance as Government Agrees to Carry Over Bill", "content": "Progress on the long-stalled Hillsborough Law is set to continue after ministers committed to carrying the bill over to the next parliamentary session.
Labour MP Ian Byrne, who was present at the Hillsborough disaster that killed 97 Liverpool fans, welcomed the move but urged the government to "end the delays."
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer had previously promised to deliver the draft legislation, formally known as the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, by April 15, 2025. However, progress stalled due to concerns over proposed amendments, including one that would have allowed intelligence agencies to bypass a statutory duty of candour.
During business questions in the House of Commons on Thursday, Byrne pressed ministers to "deliver the law in full without carve-outs."
Commons Leader Sir Alan Campbell confirmed that a carry-over motion would be tabled on Monday. If approved, the bill in its current form will be passed to the next session.
Labour pledged to introduce the legislation—requiring public officials to tell the truth during inquiries and investigations—in its 2024 manifesto. The government faced backlash after proposing amendments that would have brought spies under the law only with approval from their service heads. Those amendments were withdrawn at the last minute following pressure from campaigners, survivors, and bereaved families.
Byrne, who represents Liverpool West Derby, said: "While we welcome the government's tabling of the carry-over motion... a lot of people will be relieved today. But this must be matched by urgency. Ministers must end the delays and deliver the law in full without carve-outs for the intelligence and security services, as promised."
Sir Alan acknowledged Byrne's personal connection to the tragedy and expressed support for the carry-over motion." }