Government Pulls Hillsborough Law Amendment Amid Backlash

The government has pulled an amendment to its proposed Hillsborough law amid concerns from campaigners and MPs that the legislation was being watered down. The public office (accountability) bill aims to force public officials and contractors to tell the truth after disasters. Amendments proposed by the government on Wednesday brought spies within the scope of the legislation, subject to the approval of the head of their service, but campaigners argued this would allow those running the security services to decide whether to disclose information. The government has decided not to move its amendment on Monday, but to instead work with campaigners and the bereaved to bring forward amendments when it reaches the Lords, it is understood. More details soon …