00:00In Westminster, debate continues over new Hillsborough Law proposals designed to strengthen accountability following major public scandals.
00:09The Public Office Accountability Bill, carried over in the King's Speech, would place a duty of candour on public officials
00:14to tell the truth during inquiries and investigations.
00:17Labour had promised the legislation in its 2024 manifesto, with Sir Keir Starmer previously pledging delivery by April last year
00:26to mark 36 years since the Hillsborough disaster in which 97 football fans died.
00:32Former MI5 Chief Baroness Manningham Buller told the House of Lords the proposals could carry risks for national security, including
00:40the way intelligence is shared.
00:42She said foreign intelligence services and human sources may become more cautious if they believe sensitive information cannot be fully
00:50protected.
00:51She also warned the bill could divert security service staff, require legal support and create uncertainty over cost and operational
00:59impact.
01:00Justice Minister Baroness Leavitt told Peirce the government is determined to deliver for Hillsborough families after 37 years and for
01:08victims of other scandals, including the infected blood inquiry.
01:11It also promises a wider duty of candour, stronger accountability and expanded legal aid for inquests.
01:18The government says these measures will give citizens stronger ability to challenge the state through investigations and inquests.
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