'Absolutely mental!' Keir Starmer branded 'too weak to lead' as Labour confirms third U-turn of 2026

The Prime Minister pulled the legislation from today's parliamentary schedule entirely after a fierce backlash from bereaved families and backbench MPs over proposed exemptions for intelligence agencies.

Newly appointed Shadow Justice Secretary Nick Timothy launched a scathing attack on the government's handling of the situation.

Mr Timothy said: "The Government is asking MPs to approve the Hillsborough law with a clause about its application to MI5, which it says it will replace in the Lords with... who knows what. Keir Starmer is too weak to lead his MPs, even on our national security."

One source close to negotiations described the unfolding chaos as "absolutely mental".

The Public Office (Accountability) Bill, designed to prevent institutional cover-ups following tragedies such as the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, became mired in controversy after ministers proposed amendments last week that would bring security services within scope of the legislation.

However, the proposed changes would have required disclosure to be approved by the heads of MI5, MI6 and GCHQ, prompting campaigners to warn this could allow intelligence agencies to conceal serious failures behind claims of national security.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram issued a joint statement warning the amendment "risks undermining the spirit of the legislation" and "creates too broad an opt-out" for the security services.

Liverpool West Derby MP Ian Byrne, who was present at the 1989 disaster, had indicated he could not support the bill with the government's amendments included, with as many as 30 Labour MPs backing his alternative proposal.

Speaking at a Downing Street press conference, the Prime Minister defended the decision to pause the legislation, insisting his priority was striking the correct balance between transparency and protecting the nation.

"I care hugely that we get this right, that we right the wrongs for very many families who have been let down and ensure a better future for families," Sir Keir told reporters.

He added: "Obviously, I have to focus on the national interest my primary duty as Prime Minister, which is to keep this country safe and secure, that is the duty I hold above all other duties, and I take it really seriously, which is why we're just taking time to make sure that we get that balance absolutely right."

Ministers are now engaged in discussions with campaigners and bereaved families to find a way forward on the stalled legislation.

Conservative frontbencher and MP for Rutland and Stamford Alicia Kearns offered further criticism of the Government's approach, revealing the bill "has been complete disarray for the last 10 days" and that an opposition briefing scheduled for last Wednesday was cancelled just as Tory MPs arrived.

Following the withdrawal of the amendment, Mr Byrne acknowledged the government had recognised its proposal was "heading for defeat" and expressed relief at its removal.

Mr Byrne told the BBC: "I won't vote for any law to leave the Commons until myself and the families are happy with what it contains."

He added that bereaved relatives remained "absolutely firm" that the full Hillsborough Law must be secured before the legislation progresses from the lower house.

Campaign group Hillsborough Law Now welcomed the government's decision to listen to families, MPs and supporters by scrapping the controversial security services amendment..

A spokesman said: "We welcome the government listening to the campaign, families, MPs and supporters by withdrawing their security services amendment."

"We shall engage further with government to ensure the bill fully applies to the security services whilst not jeopardising national security."