Overview
- The withdrawn amendment would have put MI5 and MI6 under the law’s scope only with disclosures approved by their service heads, a provision families said created a broad opt‑out.
- The government also removed the bill’s report stage and third reading from Monday’s Commons schedule, pausing progress to seek a new approach.
- Officials say they will work with campaigners and bring revised provisions in the House of Lords, a move welcomed by the Hillsborough Law Now group.
- Pressure came from bereaved families, civic leaders Steve Rotheram and Andy Burnham, and an expected Labour backbench revolt with around 30 MPs backing tougher coverage of security services.
- The Public Office (Accountability) Bill imposes a duty of candour with potential criminal sanctions for cover‑ups, with ministers stressing scrutiny must increase without compromising national security.