MPs vote on Hillsborough amendment as Starmer and Burnham address Commons – as it happened

Outgoing prime minister opens third reading debate on the Hillsborough law bill In the Commons Catherine Atkinson, the victims minister, rejected suggestions the bill would endanger national security. In her speech opening the report stage debate, she said: double quotation markNothing in this bill or its practical effect changes our position in relation to national security. Many in our public services work in sensitive roles, where revealing their identity could put them at risk, or others at risk. The bill does not require anyone to breach any other law – it expressly states that it does not override existing legislation, including the Official Secrets Act 1989. The bill contains a specific protection for the requirement to notify for employees of the intelligence services and other select bodies where they cannot come forward. However, there may be other situations where notifying may carry a similar risk. I want to make it clear that a public servant does not have to come forward until it is safe to do so but steps must be taken without delay to ensure a notification can be made safely. Atkinson also said ministers “intend to make broad use” of the duty of candour, telli

Jul 14, 2026 → Jul 21, 2026