As a Liverpool MP and someone who had family & friends at Hillsborough as well as representing the family of one of the 97, I am bitterly disappointed that the government is backtracking on its commitment.
We were promised "The Hillsborough Law" not a half-measure. Not a version with loopholes. A Bill that would deliver in full.
When the law was initially going to be introduced in April 2025, the families did not agree with that version & nor did Merseyside MPs.
The Prime Minister promised the law in full. We were elected on it.
Yet the Government’s latest amendments partially carve the intelligence services out of the duty of candour.
That would allow the very behaviour exposed by the Manchester Arena Inquiry to happen again where MI5 was able to withhold information and avoid accountability.
The Bill in full is not incompatible with the security of our nation.
I am devastated that we find ourselves here again but as a city we have fought for nearly 37 years. We will not give up that fight.
I cannot & will not betray the families, the survivors or my city.
I urge the government to do the right thing.
Paula Barker is the Labour MP for Liverpool Wavertree and was one of the founding members of Mainstream.
