No 10 understood to be ready to drop block on intelligence services being covered after concerns from families and MPs
The delayed Hillsborough law could come into force after a shift by the government on forcing intelligence services to give evidence to public inquiries. Disagreement on the issue had halted the bill’s progress earlier this year.
Downing Street is understood to be willing to give way over a block on intelligence staff coming under the law’s terms, which enforces a duty of candour on public officials and contractors in the aftermath of disasters.
Concerns among families of victims and survivors of the 1989 tragedy, along with some Labour MPs, about ensuring intelligence officers were covered meant the law, which is proceeding through the Commons, was paused in January.
An attempted compromise failed to unblock the legislation after families and their supporters rejected amendments proposed by the government, bringing the possibility of a backbench rebellion.
