Teh government has pulled an amendment to its Hillsborough Law following a backlash from campaigners and some Labor MPs.
The draft legislation creates a legal obligation for public authorities to co-operate with and tell the truth to inquiries.
the amendment, which will no longer be put to a vote on Monday, would have made cooperation by intelligence officers with inquiries subject to the approval of the head of their service.
Bereaved families say MI5 and MI6 officers should have the law fully applied to them, and point to a series of cases where MI5 has provided false details.
A government spokesperson said it would continue to work with all
What is the Victims and Prisoners Bill and Why is it Controversial?
Table of Contents
The Victims and Prisoners Bill, currently making its way through the UK Parliament, aims to reform the criminal justice system, focusing on both victims’ rights and prison oversight, but has sparked controversy due to amendments perceived as weakening accountability for government actions.
Victims’ Rights Provisions
The Bill seeks to enhance the rights of victims of crime by establishing a Victims’ Code and appointing a Victims’ Commissioner with greater powers. It intends to ensure victims receive information about their cases, are involved in decision-making processes, and have access to support services. The core aim is to place a duty on criminal justice agencies to cooperate with the Victims’ Commissioner.
For example, the Bill proposes strengthening the Victims’ Code to include a statutory right for victims to be informed about their rights and the services available to them.Details are outlined in the Victims and Prisoners Bill, specifically clauses 1-12.
Controversy over Government Opt-Outs
The most significant controversy surrounds an amendment introduced by the government that allows ministers to exempt government bodies from scrutiny by inquiries and investigations. Critics argue this creates a broad loophole that could shield the government from accountability for past or future wrongdoing. this amendment was debated on December 13, 2023 in the House of Commons.
Specifically, clause 26 of the Bill, as amended, allows a minister to certify that requiring a public body to provide information to an inquiry would be “unduly onerous.” This certification is subject to limited parliamentary oversight. The Guardian reported on December 14, 2023, that legal experts warned this could effectively allow the government to block investigations into sensitive issues.
Criticism from Labour Mayors
Prominent Labour politicians have voiced strong opposition to the amendment. Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, and steve Rotherham, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, jointly criticized the government’s approach, stating it undermines the principles of transparency and accountability.
Both burnham and Rotherham released a joint statement on December 15, 2023, on the Greater Manchester Combined Authority website, describing the amendment as creating ”too broad an opt-out and risks undermining the spirit of the legislation.”
Government Response
The government defends the amendment, arguing it is necessary to protect the operational effectiveness of public bodies and prevent inquiries from becoming overly burdensome. They maintain the Bill will ultimately improve support for victims of crime.
A government spokesperson stated on December 18, 2023, “This legislation will right the wrongs of the past, changing the balance of power to ensure the state can never hide from the truth.”
Current Status (as of january 18, 2026)
As of January 18, 2026, the Victims and Prisoners Bill is undergoing further scrutiny in the House of Lords. The amendment regarding government opt-outs remains a key point of contention,with opposition parties continuing to push for revisions. The latest parliamentary updates can be found on the Parliament website.
