Overview
- The Public Office (Accountability) Bill cleared its second reading and advances to committee stage for line-by-line examination.
- The legislation would impose a statutory duty of candour on public officials, create a new offence of misleading the public, and attach criminal penalties for serious breaches.
- It promises non-means-tested legal aid for bereaved families at inquests and requires public bodies to keep litigation spending proportionate to level the playing field.
- Ministers reaffirmed that the bill will not be watered down, as Hillsborough families watched from the gallery and campaigners pledged to monitor any changes.
- The government says the law will apply UK-wide, cover private contractors delivering public services, and not operate retrospectively, while parties signal possible amendments including extending candour duties to social media firms and strengthening whistleblower protections.