Story perspectives

Accountability Bill Delayed Over Intelligence Agency Exemptions

1/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Public Office (Accountability) Bill aims to prevent cover-ups.
Its passage is delayed due to concerns about how it applies to MI5, MI6, and GCHQ.
Campaigners, including families of Hillsborough disaster victims and Manchester Arena bombing victims, say the bill should hold individual intelligence officers accountable.
They are dismayed by a clause that may exempt MI5 from full candour responsibilities, as the government considers amendments to ensure officials act truthfully.

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Story summary

The Public Office (Accountability) Bill aims to prevent cover-ups.
Its passage is delayed due to concerns about how it applies to MI5, MI6, and GCHQ.
Campaigners, including families of Hillsborough disaster victims and Manchester Arena bombing victims, say the bill should hold individual intelligence officers accountable.
They are dismayed by a clause that may exempt MI5 from full candour responsibilities, as the government considers amendments to ensure officials act truthfully.