Hillsborough law breakthrough as Keir Starmer 'to ditch spy chiefs' veto' after backlash

Hillsborough law breakthrough as Keir Starmer 'to ditch spy chiefs' veto' after backlashIn a major breakthrough, Keir Starmer will extend the new "duty of candour" created by the legislation to ensure MI5, MI6 and GCHQ do not lie or withhold informationCommentsNewsSophie Huskisson Political Correspondent08:29, 13 Apr 2026Updated 08:30, 13 Apr 2026View 2 ImagesThe law comes after a decades-long fight by the families of the 97 Liverpool fans who died in a fatal crush at the 1989 FA Cup semi-final(Image: AFP via Getty Images)Keir Starmer is expected to scrap plans to allow security services like MI5 to be exempt from the Hillsborough law.‌In a major breakthrough, the PM will reportedly extend the new "duty of candour" created by the legislation to ensure MI5, MI6 and GCHQ are included. The duty forces public authorities to tell the truth and co-operate with inquiries to prevent state cover-ups.‌The “Hillsborough Law” was pulled from the Commons in January after a major row over an amendment relating to how it applies to the security services.‌A government amendment sought to bring spies from MI5 and MI6 within the scope of the legislation - but subject to the approval of the head of their service. The security chiefs wanted to block spies from giving evidence to public inquiries if there are national security concerns.But the proposals caused a huge backlash among MPs, campaigners and bereaved families. In January, families bereaved by the Manchester Arena terror attack demanded MI5 must be fully included in the new “Hillsborough Law”. They warned that MI5 failed their loves ones by preventing the 2017 bombing, but also "then failed and hurt us further through its lack of candour after the attack".READ MORE: Hillsborough campaigner tells Keir Starmer to honour promise and get law sorted 'ASAP'View 2 ImagesHillsborough campaigner Margaret Aspinall earlier this month demanded Keir Starmer honour his promise and pass...