Labour MPs could rebel over Hillsborough law after talks with families break down

Keir Starmer's Labour party is facing potential internal opposition regarding the Hillsborough law, a manifesto promise intended to enforce a duty of candour on public officials after disasters. Talks between Labour and families affected by the Hillsborough disaster and the Manchester Arena bombing have broken down over concerns about protections for intelligence officers within the bill. Families fear the bill, as written, allows intelligence service directors to veto officers' testimony, hindering transparency and accountability, citing MI5's actions after the Manchester bombing as an example. Labour MP Ian Byrne has proposed an amendment to address these concerns and has stated he cannot support the bill without it. The government claims it has gone as far as it can without compromising national security, but families remain disappointed.