Overview
- The government plans to press a security services amendment at Monday’s Commons report stage, saying limited non-disclosure is needed to protect national security.
- Families of Hillsborough victims now urge MPs to reject the government’s version, arguing the proposal lets MI5 leaders decide what to reveal and undermines accountability.
- Labour MP Ian Byrne has tabled an alternative to apply the duty of candour to individual intelligence officers, with about 30 Labour MPs backing his move and preparing to rebel.
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer met campaigners this week but talks ended without agreement, prompting a delay of the vote from Wednesday to Monday for further discussions.
- The legislation would impose a statutory duty of candour on public authorities with new criminal penalties for misleading or obstructing inquiries, a scope campaigners say must include the intelligence services.