Overview
- The security-services amendment was withdrawn after criticism that it could let intelligence chiefs decide what to disclose under a national security rationale.
- Monday’s Commons report stage and third reading were removed from the schedule, and no new date has been announced for the bill’s return.
- Keir Starmer said he wants to get the balance right on applying the duty to MI5, MI6 and GCHQ, stressing his responsibility to protect national security.
- Liverpool West Derby MP Ian Byrne tabled a rival proposal backed by roughly 30–40 MPs to apply the duty of candour directly to individual intelligence personnel.
- Campaign group Hillsborough Law Now welcomed the climbdown and will engage with ministers as the government considers revised wording, including potential changes in the House of Lords.