Public Office (Accountability) Bill
13 Jul 2026 · Commons Chamber · 656 speeches · Official record
Commons debate API. Not a paper. A named member links to their Institrace record when we hold that seat.
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See the explanatory statement to Amendment 171. Full speech
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(b) in any other case, may be given only to a public official who works (or used to work) for a relevant public authority, Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on Amendment 172. Full speech
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“16 (1) A member of an independent monitoring board, appointed under section 6 of the Prison Act 1952 or section 10 of the Prison Act (Northern Ireland) 1953 (c. 18 (N.I.)). Full speech
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(2) A member of the staff of the Northern Ireland Assembly within the meaning of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 (see paragraph 2(2) of Schedule 5 to that Act).” Full speech
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This amendment provides that the definition of “court” includes a children’s hearing within the meaning of the Children’s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011, in addition to any tribunal or body exercising the judicial power of the State. Full speech
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This amendment (together with Amendment 169) clarifies that the duty to give a compliance direction to an individual applies only if the chair of the inquiry considers that compliance with the direction will help the inquiry to meet its objectives. Full speech
I rise to support new clauses 5 and 6, tabled by my hon. Friend the Member for Hammersmith and Chiswick (Andy Slaughter). I welcome the Prime Minister’s remarks, and I am relieved that the Government have listened, so that the duty of candour will apply in full to members of the security services, and the Bill will finally reach the statute book. I pay tribute to all those who have fought so long and so hard for this Bill, including the families, the Hillsborough Law Now campaign, and my fellow ... Full speech
The Bill allows a Minister to extend the duty and allows the flexibility to apply it to reviews where it would be most beneficial. I know that my hon. Friend has campaigned long on this point, and I would be happy to talk to her about how that takes place. In conclusion, the Bill is about restoring trust between the public and the state, ensuring that when public bodies fail, they respond with openness rather than defensiveness and with support rather than obstruction. Above all, it is a testame... Full speech
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“(b) Part 4 extends to England and Wales and Scotland only.”- (Catherine Atkinson.) Full speech
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This amendment (together with Amendment 175) clarifies that the duty to give a compliance direction to an individual applies only if the chair of the inquiry considers that compliance with the direction will help the inquiry to meet its objectives. Full speech
Could the hon. Member point to current legislation that has a gap and does not give the protection to the intelligence services that we all wish to see? Full speech
Do the Minister and the Government agree with the principle that an independent body should oversee the Government’s performance in responding to inquiry recommendations? Is that the way we are going to go forwards? The way that the Government-not just this one, but others in the past-have responded to recommendations from inquiries has, to say the least, required improvement for a very long time. Can we be assured that independence will be introduced into the scrutiny process? Full speech
Order. I know that this is a highly sensitive debate, but interventions must be short and to the point. Lots of colleagues want to get in on the debate. Full speech
I wish to speak to amendment 25, which has been tabled in my name, among others. Hillsborough, the infected blood scandal, Windrush, Grenfell and the Manchester Arena are all tragedies that everyone across the country knows too well, because the campaigners, the survivors and the families of those who have been lost have bravely made sure that we will never forget what happens when the state not only ignores them, but actively works against them to protect its own interests. As you know, Madam D... Full speech
Back in 2015, I had the number 96 tattooed on my wrist. It was not simply a tattoo; it was a promise. It was a promise that whenever life became difficult, I would never forget one simple truth: I was one of the lucky ones. I walked away from Hillsborough, but 96 did not. Today we remember the 97. That number on my wrist and the people it represents has become my compass. Every time I look at it, I think of those who never came home. I think of their families and of survivors like my dad, who wa... Full speech
The interventions and the shadow Secretary of State’s responses are indicative of what he said earlier: we should not be discussing something as technically complex as this, which could have wide-reaching ramifications, with 24 hours’ notice and without any opportunity to have a proper discussion and raise these points. Full speech
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(f) the Chief Constable of the British Transport Police;”. Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on the extension of Part 3 of the Bill (misconduct in public office) to Scotland and Northern Ireland. Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on Amendment 195. Full speech
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(ce) a member of the Lands Tribunal for Scotland or Scottish Land Court (including the Deputy Chairman of that Court); Full speech
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This amendment and Amendment 137 provide for Part 4 of the Bill to apply in relation to inquests where a public authority is represented by its head or another person, if the authority is not itself an “interested person” at the inquest. Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on Amendment 123. Full speech
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“(b) in Northern Ireland, may be brought only by or with the consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland.”- (Catherine Atkinson.) Full speech
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See the explanatory statement for Amendment 61. Full speech
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(cj) the Chief Coroner or a Deputy Chief Coroner appointed under Schedule 8 to the Coroners and Justice Act 2009; Full speech
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“(10) A compliance direction that would require the provision of protected information from an individual- Full speech
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(ch) a Lord Justice of Appeal in Northern Ireland; Full speech
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““relevant public authority” means any of- Full speech
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“(5A) Subsection (10) of section 23A of the Inquiries Act 2005 (which provides for safeguards in the case of compliance directions requiring protected information from public officials) (as inserted by Part 1 of this Schedule) applies to a compliance direction given by virtue of regulations under this paragraph as it applies to a compliance direction given under that section.” Full speech
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This amendment enables the additional legal services being made available to bereaved family members at inquests to be dealt with together for the purposes of administration of legal aid. Full speech
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(b) a depute convener elected in accordance with section 4(2) of that Act, or Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on Amendments 157. Full speech
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“(b) to a person who works for a relevant public authority as it applies to other public officials.” Full speech
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(a) the person’s acts are relevant to the inquiry or the person otherwise has information that is relevant, and Full speech
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(c) Part 2 of the Mental Capacity Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 (c. 18 (N.I.)).” Full speech
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This amendment provides that certain elected officials of local authorities in Scotland will fall within the definition of a “public official” and therefore be subject to the duty of candour and assistance. Full speech
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(a) in a case where the information concerned relates to security or intelligence (within the meaning given by section 1(9) of the Official Secrets Act 1989), may be given only to a public official who works (or used to work) for an intelligence service; Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on the extension of Part 3 of the Bill (misconduct in public office) to Scotland and Northern Ireland. Full speech
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(f) in relation to a police force (other than the National Crime Agency), the relevant senior officer of the metropolitan police force;” Full speech
I have been away for a while, but I will get there in the end. I know that other Members in this House have supported those who have suffered other treatment disasters-sodium valproate, mesh, PIP implants. These are still ongoing campaigns, and we need to recognise these campaigns in the House tonight, as we do that of the Chinook families, who were in court today-only just now, I was speaking about that to the hon. Member for Mid Dorset and North Poole (Vikki Slade) in the Lobby-and we pay trib... Full speech
I am confused by that intervention from the hon. Lady, who was the Minister in charge of this Bill. The argument I am making is consistent with the position she brought to the House in January, only to back down when it became controversial. As I was saying, this could lead to intelligence that should, for good reasons, remain secret being published, which undermines the way the intelligence agencies and others work. We know this is a matter of grave concern for the agencies, the military and th... Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on the extension of Part 3 of the Bill (misconduct in public office) to Scotland and Northern Ireland. Full speech
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and an individual is not required to provide any protected information in response to a direction given in contravention of this subsection. Full speech
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(a) the person’s acts are relevant to the inquiry or the person otherwise has information that is relevant, and Full speech
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This amendment removes the requirement for Ministers and officials in Government and the devolved administrations to notify local authority inquiries of the matters in clause 2(3) of the Bill. The Bill already provides that such inquiries may not demand materials produced or provided by or on behalf of the Government or a devolved administration. Full speech
I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time. Full speech
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“(9) A compliance direction requiring the provision of protected information from an individual- Full speech
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“common law offence of misconduct in public office” Full speech
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See the explanatory statement to Amendment 172. Full speech
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(d) in relation to Defence Intelligence, the Chief of Defence Intelligence; Full speech
I am going to make some progress, but I will give way. It is essential that there is accountability, not denial, so that those affected get the support they need, not obstruction. We often refer to this Bill as the Hillsborough law. Without the determination of the Hillsborough families, we would not be debating this legislation today. Their determination has been driven by a selfless belief that no other families should ever go through the ordeal that they have suffered. But sadly their story i... Full speech
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This amendment clarifies that the arrangements referred to in clause 6(3) are for the purposes of ensuring that the obligation to notify an inquiry or investigation under clause 2(3) is complied with by intelligence services or those that work for them. Full speech
Before I speak to the Government’s new clauses and amendments, which ensure that there is no carve-out from the duty of candour for the intelligence and security services, I put on record my utmost respect for my hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool West Derby (Ian Byrne) and all my hon. and right hon. Friends who have been relentless in pushing this Bill forward. However, it is the Hillsborough families and campaigners, who have fought doggedly through their pain and heartache, who deserve all ... Full speech
We are sent here to scrutinise legislation. That is what we are doing. We have talked to people in the intelligence agencies, the police and others who are very concerned about this. The concerns that I am expressing were shared by Ministers themselves, which is why the amendment we are proposing today reflects the amendment that the Government themselves brought to the House in January. Full speech
I wish to speak to the amendments and new clauses tabled in my name on behalf of my party. Up and down the country, those who have been failed by state institutions, unheard and ignored for years, will today be relieved that this hurdle has been cleared and the Hillsborough law can finally progress. I pay tribute to those campaigners, many of whom are with us in the Gallery, for their courage and perseverance through years of campaigning, and for never saying, “That’ll do”, and instead making su... Full speech
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This amendment, together with Amendment 117, clarifies that, in respect of persons exercising functions at places of state detention, only persons who exercise custodial or escort functions, or functions involving the provision of healthcare or education, are subject to the provisions of Part 3 of the Bill (misconduct in public office). Full speech
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“(c) must include a description of the matters or issues to be covered in complying with the direction and may specify further requirements to be complied with (and may specify the form and manner in which, and the period within which, obligations imposed by virtue of the direction are to be complied with);”. Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on Amendment 97. Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on Amendment 142. Full speech
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This amendment applies section 17(3) of the Inquiries Act 2005 (duty on chair to act with fairness and avoid unnecessary cost) to non-statutory inquiries to which the duty of candour and assistance applies. Full speech
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(b) where no such requirement is imposed, as soon as reasonably practicable. Full speech
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(4) A person approved under Rule 14 of the Juvenile Justice Centre Rules (Northern Ireland) 2008 (S.R. (N.I.) 2008 No. 427).” Full speech
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This amendment ensures that the duties under clause 9 to adopt codes of ethical conduct that fall upon governing bodies of schools, and on the governing bodies of designated institutions in the further education sector, will be adopted for people who work at the school or institution but are employed by a body other than the governing body. Full speech
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“(3A) The matter is that compliance with the person’s obligations imposed by virtue of the direction would assist the inquiry to which the investigation relates to meet its objectives.” Full speech
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(b) the chief constable of the Police Service of Scotland; Full speech
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(b) in any other case, may be given only to a public official who works (or used to work) for a relevant public authority, Full speech
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This amendment, together with Amendment 157, enables a compliance direction to be given requiring the provision of protected information (subject to certain safeguards) to a public official who works for a relevant public authority in place of the previous prohibition on the giving of such directions. The terms “protected information” and “relevant public authority” are defined in clause 8 (as amended by Amendments 167 and 168). Full speech
What the hon. Lady says is not entirely relevant to this proposition. This is about the provision of information to particular investigations and inquiries, and we do not know-indeed, we cannot know-the identities of the people who lead those investigations and inquiries. That is one of the reasons why this is such a step into the dark. Full speech
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(a) acting as a mediator or arbitrator, or Full speech
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This amendment ensures the persons who work for a judicial office holder or court (other than civil servants, who are caught by paragraph 3 of Schedule 4 to the Bill) are subject to the misconduct offences in Part 3 of the Bill. Full speech
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(9A) Before the coroner gives a compliance direction to an individual who works (or used to work) for a relevant public authority (and so far as the direction relates to their work for the authority), the coroner must consult the authority for the purpose of ensuring that compliance with the obligations imposed by virtue of the direction will assist the inquest to meet its objectives.” Full speech
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(c) a person who works at a grant-aided school in Northern Ireland is to be treated as working for the Board of Governors of the school rather than for any other body. Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on Amendment 195. Full speech
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(b) “Minister” has the same meaning as in the Inquiries Act 2005 (see section 1(2) of that Act) but, in relation to an investigation under Part 1 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009, also includes the Lord Chancellor”. Full speech
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“designated institution” means an institution that is a designated institution for the purposes of Part 1 of the Further and Higher Education Act 1992; Full speech
Can the hon. Member spot the irony in the fact that today, while the Government are considering this legislation, which is designed to prevent public bodies from obstructing the truth, the Ministry of Defence is in the High Court in London, trying very hard to silence the Chinook families by saying that they are out of time in seeking an independent inquiry on why their loved ones were allowed to board a Chinook helicopter that the Ministry of Defence knew was unairworthy, positively dangerous a... Full speech
I decided at a very late stage to speak in this debate, because I chair the all-party parliamentary group on haemophilia and contaminated blood and I wanted to add my voice on behalf of all the people who campaigned on that scandal and express their appreciation for the work of the Hillsborough families and what they have achieved for our country. Ordinary people up and down the country will have a power to take on the state in the future and not to be crushed, as the state has attempted to do i... Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on the extension of Part 3 of the Bill (misconduct in public office) to Scotland and Northern Ireland. Full speech
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(a) in a case where the information concerned relates to security or intelligence (within the meaning given by section 1(9) of the Official Secrets Act 1989), may be given only to a public official who works (or used to work) for an intelligence service; Full speech
The point is that this is a new duty, which is backed by criminal sanction, and that is why it is different from the status quo. As I was saying, the Justice Secretary is a Privy Counsellor. He is the Deputy Prime Minister. He was once the Foreign Secretary-the man to whom MI6 and GCHQ were accountable. He knows that these sources of intelligence from allies are essential. They support our national interest, protect our way of life and save the lives of innocent people. Neither he nor the Minist... Full speech
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(a) in any sheriff court district in which the person is apprehended or is in custody, or Full speech
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Consideration of Bill, as amended in the Public Bill Committee Full speech
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It is our job in the House of Commons to get this right. It is also the Government’s job to put their proposed law to us in a timely, considered and responsible manner, but that is not what Ministers have done. The Prime Minister adopted the Hillsborough law as policy in 2022. He put it in his manifesto in 2024, promising that it would be one of his first acts in office, and announced its introduction at the Labour party conference in 2025. But he never worked out how the Bill should apply to th... Full speech
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We were supposed to give the Bill its Report stage and Third Reading in January, but it was pulled at the last minute because campaigners told the Government that they were unhappy with its provisions relating to the intelligence agencies. Now we have the Report stage, and Members are being asked to give the Bill’s new provisions scrutiny-all with less than 24 hours’ notice. Those who had been briefed on the contents of the Bill found out over the last day or two that what is now being proposed ... Full speech
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Desperate for a legacy and to claim the credit before the right hon. Member for Makerfield (Andy Burnham) takes over, the Prime Minister has chosen; the Government have watered down the protections they specifically proposed back in January for MI5, MI6 and GCHQ. Today they pretend that those protections are not necessary, but in January, Ministers believed that they were vital. Those protections would have allowed those in charge of the agencies to determine whether secret information could be ... Full speech
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Our security and intelligence agencies, as with soldiers and others such as those working in counter-terrorism policing and the National Crime Agency, all necessarily deal in secrets. They have to protect their sources, methods and capabilities. They have to protect information provided to them by agencies from allied countries, which are equally concerned with protecting their sources, methods, capabilities and, in some cases, live operations. But now this Bill takes decisions about which secre... Full speech
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No one denies that there have been tragedies, abuses and cover-ups in the past-I have worked to expose some of them myself. Official cover-ups are always completely unacceptable, but where matters of national security and safety are at stake, responsibility for sensitive information must remain with operational leaders who are accountable to their elected bosses. That is something the Government once accepted. As I have said, we can have a serious discussion about the ways in which the accountab... Full speech
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To seek to make major changes to laws affecting the safety and security of our citizens in the dying days and hours of a premiership, and without sufficient thought or scrutiny, is irresponsible. It is not leadership; it is reckless. The first duty of any Government is to place the safety and security of the British people first-above politics, above pressure, and above the hopes of a short-lived Prime Minister looking for a legacy. That is why, if the Government do not listen to us today, we wi... Full speech
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The Hillsborough Law Now group has raised the lack of command responsibility within the Bill. Amendment 5 addresses that by placing responsibility for breaches of the duty of candour on the chief executive of the relevant public body. Amendment 9 ensures that the Act comes into force immediately upon Royal Assent, save for a small number of sections that require supporting codes. We see no reason for any unnecessary delay in the process. Full speech
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Finally, I would like to mention the amendment tabled by my hon. Friend the Member for Henley and Thame (Freddie van Mierlo), which places privatised water companies under the duty of candour. It serves as an important reminder of the harms caused by companies on which the public are wholly reliant. Full speech
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For too long, victims and survivors of horrendous tragedies across the country have been prevented from receiving the justice that they deserve. They have been denied the truth, denied accountability and denied the confidence that what happened to them will not happen to someone else in future. I hope that today will be a day of celebration for many of those families, who have fought tirelessly-not for their own gain, but to ensure that nobody else suffers in the way they have. I am pleased that... Full speech
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In her last annual report for 2024, the chief coroner noted that 713 prevention of future death reports had been issued. Those reports identify key issues that contributed to someone’s death and need rectifying to prevent the same thing happening again. There is a duty to respond to those reports, but evidence from the charity INQUEST and others, such as the independent advisory panel on deaths in custody, has shown that responses are often absent or delayed. Further, as the previous Justice Com... Full speech
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It is often the case that no change has in fact been made by a public authority. That has drawn serious concern from coroners and inquiry chairs. Full speech
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My new clauses are supported by INQUEST and over 40 organisations, including the Law Society, Amnesty International UK and JUSTICE. The need to improve systems for monitoring action on inquests and inquiries has been raised repeatedly during debates on this Bill. The Prime Minister himself stated on Second Reading that Full speech
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However, despite Government interest in this area, there has been no formal commitment to implement this proposal. My new clauses would ensure that the Bill extends to the aftermath of inquiries. There needs to be candour and transparency in how public authorities respond to, and act on, findings and recommendations by improving central oversight; otherwise, these costly, lengthy legal processes are futile. Full speech
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A further step that the Government may want to consider is creating and maintaining a database, so that all information gathered by coronial investigations is recorded and analysed to prevent future deaths. Dr Georgia Richards from King’s College London has been doing vital work in that area, and I recommend that the Government use her expertise to find a solution for how to harness all the information gathered by coroners to protect public health. Beyond that, the coronial service needs to be m... Full speech
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In the light of the number of people who wish to speak, I do not have time to go through the other amendments and new clauses that I support, but I will mention new clause 1, which is in the name of my right hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool Garston (Maria Eagle) and calls for the independent public advocate to have a greater role. Earlier in the year, the Select Committee interviewed the current-and first-independent public advocate, Cindy Butts. She is an excellent appointment, but she need... Full speech
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Finally, I will mention amendment 25, which is in the name of the hon. Member for Cheadle (Mr Morrison). It would extend the offence of misleading the public to Full speech
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South Yorkshire police defamed the Hillsborough families and survivors, but it did not do so alone-its lies and smears were promoted by several newspapers. It was the culture and the connections between the newspapers and the police that enabled that to happen, and there is no evidence that this has changed. Just as South Yorkshire police was protected by The Sun after Hillsborough, the Metropolitan police was responsible for astonishing oversights in the investigations into phone hacking at the... Full speech
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Finally, may I say what a relief it is to see a compromise reached between the Hillsborough families and the Government on the application of the duty of candour to the security services? While I understand the Government’s desire to strike a balance in this area, a carve-out would erode the effectiveness of the Bill. As we have seen on multiple occasions, including in the investigation of the Manchester Arena bombing, the Stakeknife case in Northern Ireland and the Attorney General v. the BBC-t... Full speech
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It is a pleasure to follow the right hon. Member for Godalming and Ash (Sir Jeremy Hunt). I have a lot of sympathy for his new clause 11, and I heard him make the same point to the Health Secretary this morning. I hope that a time and a place can be found for such a provision, because what he says is important. He expressed it very well and with passion, and I certainly support him in that. Full speech
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I welcome the Government amendments, and I also welcome the fact that, importantly, they have the support of the families and campaigners. I am assured by the comments that we have heard from members of the ISC, and I am certain that they will continue to keep a close eye on the Bill as it progresses and in its implementation. Full speech
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I will keep my remarks relatively short, because I have spoken on this topic several times and I know that a lot of colleagues want to speak, but some things need to be said. We need to remind ourselves that this Bill and its provisions are here before us because, after suffering incredible trauma and when faced with a wall of lies, ordinary people decided to say no, including the families affected by Grenfell, the Manchester Arena attack, Primodos, Orgreave, the infected blood scandal, the Post... Full speech
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Not least among those people are the Hillsborough families and campaigners, some of whom I have had the privilege to meet. I have met lots of remarkable people in both my personal life and my professional life in politics, and I have no hesitation in saying that I have never met a group of people who have shown such bravery and resilience in the face of so many obstacles, so many lies and so much profound injustice. It is because of the efforts of families and survivors that people will be helpe... Full speech
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To all those who have made this Bill possible, and to all those who have worked so hard and for so long to make the case, to reach a consensus and to win the argument, I say thank you. I hope the House will forgive me if I say once again to the Hillsborough families and campaigners in particular: you have my utmost respect, you have my deep gratitude, you are the best of us. You have been a light in the darkness. You’ll never walk alone. Full speech
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Obviously, I am glad that the Bill has come back and that it is going to complete its Commons stages today. I am relieved about that. I think the duty of candour is a good thing, if it can be made to work effectively-it cannot be a bad thing. If this duty of candour already exists, it will help to focus minds, hopefully at an early stage, in the aftermath of any disaster in a way that the common-law duty that has, one assumes, always existed did not really do at the time of Hillsborough. This is... Full speech
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I am glad to see that the problem of being between a rock and a hard place that has delayed the Bill has been resolved between the campaigners and the Government. I know of and commend the work of the Intelligence and Security Committee in trying to get to a resolution of that problem. My hon. Friend the Member for Widnes and Halewood (Derek Twigg) has done a lot of work on that, as has the right hon. and learned Member for Kenilworth and Southam (Sir Jeremy Wright). I used to be on that Committ... Full speech
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I welcome the fact that that problem has, one hopes, been solved, and that the Bill can now complete its Commons stages and go off for consideration in the other place, where I am sure it will be looked at fairly closely. There are a number of people in the other place with experience of disasters-Hillsborough and Grenfell in particular-who, I know, will want to submit the Bill to some serious scrutiny. We will no doubt see how that goes in due course. Full speech
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In addition to getting the Bill on to the statute book, I hope that some serious consideration will be given, perhaps through the mechanism that I suggest in new clause 1, to whether a non-legal approach might be an option for some families, should they choose to take it. I do not believe that we should just say to families in the aftermath of a disaster, “Here’s some legal help-off you go.” If we can cut short the many years and decades that many families have to endure in the aftermath of publ... Full speech
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“there is no follow-up to see if coroners’ reports have had the desired impact.” Full speech
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“a public authority or public official providing misleading information to a recognised news publisher.” Full speech
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I cannot lie: there were moments when this journey tested me in ways I could never have imagined. There were moments when compromise was presented as victory; moments when those more powerful than me said, “Take this or leave it”; and moments when I wondered whether we would ever get here. But every time that happened, I thought about the Hillsborough memorial at Anfield. Every time I walk past it, those 97 names remind me who this fight has always been for. Full speech
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I thought about the families. I thought about the survivors. I looked down at that number on my wrist. It reminded me that I was one of the lucky ones. It reminded me why compromise could never, ever be an option-not just for Hillsborough, but for Grenfell, for the infected blood campaign, for the Post Office Horizon families, for Primodos, for Truth About Zane, for the nuclear test veterans, for the Chinook families, for the Manchester arena families and for every family forced to spend years f... Full speech
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Today I feel something I was not sure I would ever feel: hope. For so many years, this place was part of the problem. Today, I believe it can become part of the solution. Today is not the end of a campaign; it is the start of doing things differently. It is about people in power telling the truth. It is about public bodies remembering who they exist to serve, and it is about making sure that no family is ever again left to fight the state on their own. That is the promise before us today, and we... Full speech
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To the families of the 97-those still with us and those we have sadly lost along the way: you will never, ever be forgotten. You carried a burden that should never have been yours. You fought with dignity when others showed none. You taught this country that ordinary people can overcome the most extraordinary abuse of power. To every survivor, I hope today brings some measure of peace, not because it can erase the past-nothing ever will-but because your suffering has brought about lasting change... Full speech
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For decades, I asked myself why I survived. Today, I think I understand-not because I have done anything extraordinary, but because I was given the privilege of standing here and carrying the voices of people who could no longer speak for themselves. If, in some small way, I have honoured the memory of the 97, if I have been worthy of the trust that the families and survivors have placed in me, if this Parliament finally ensures that no grieving family ever again has to fight the state simply to... Full speech
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This law is about far more than Hillsborough. It is about the kind of country we choose to be-a country where power tells the truth, where public servants serve the public, where justice is not delayed until campaigners grow old, and where no family is ever left to walk alone. If we pass this law in the spirit in which it was conceived, the greatest legacy of the 97 will not simply be that they are remembered; it will be that, because of them, this country has finally, finally learned the lesson... Full speech
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Those words-“you’ll never walk alone”-must not remain simply a song that we sing, or a sentiment that we admire; they must become a principle that shapes how the state treats bereaved families. No family should have to walk alone through years of legal battles because public bodies refused to tell the truth. No family should have to walk alone against institutions with vastly greater resources and power. No family should have to walk alone in the search for answers, after losing someone they lov... Full speech
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The Hillsborough families have walked an unimaginably long road. They have carried the weight of grief, while shouldering the burden of securing justice for generations that follow. Their courage has changed the country for the better, and today, in this place, it is our turn to finally walk alongside them. We honour the memory of the 97 not only by remembering them, but by ensuring that no family is ever left to fight alone again. That is the promise of the Hillsborough law. That is the promise... Full speech
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Our intelligence services are best placed to assess the sensitivity of information-they do that every day. That is why we have crafted the amendments as we have, so that any information held by individual employees that may be engaged by the provisions of the Bill is routed through the service corporately, so that those proper assessments of sensitivity can take place, and so that intelligence information held by other public bodies cannot be released by other bodies, but only by the intelligenc... Full speech
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Concerns were raised about candour in relation to health. I am grateful to the right hon. Member for Godalming and Ash (Sir Jeremy Hunt) for his contribution. We do not disagree with the intent of his new clause 11 and amendment 150. Our concern is that the detail is not necessary on the face of the Bill and that it would be disproportionate to do so. The Bill requires public authorities to set out how a professional duty of candour must be met with clear professional sanctions. We will work wit... Full speech
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Breach of duty to prevent death or serious injury Full speech
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Territorial application of sections 12 and 13 Full speech
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Abolition of common law offence of misconduct in public office Full speech
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Parity etc at inquiries and investigations Full speech
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Application of duty of candour and assistance Full speech
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Meaning of “public authority” and “public official” etc Full speech
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Conduct of public authorities at inquiries and inquests Full speech
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Legal aid at inquiries in Scotland into fatal accidents and sudden deaths Full speech
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Amendment made: 153, in clause 3, page 3, line 17, at end insert Full speech
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Amendments made: 26, in clause 6, page 5, line 37, after “applies” insert “(subject as follows)- Full speech
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Amendment 154, in clause 6, page 5, line 37, leave out “an intelligence service” and insert “a relevant public authority”. Full speech
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Amendment 155, in clause 6, page 5, line 38, at end insert- Full speech
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Amendment 28, in clause 6, page 5, line 39, leave out “But”. Full speech
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Amendment 156, in clause 6, page 5, line 40, leave out “an intelligence service” and insert Full speech
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Amendment 157, in clause 6, page 6, line 1, leave out paragraph (b) and insert- Full speech
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Amendment proposed : 199, in clause 6, page 6, line 3, at end insert- Full speech
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Question put, That the amendment be made. Full speech
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Amendments made: 32, page 6, line 4, at beginning insert- Full speech
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Amendment 158, page 6, line 4, leave out “intelligence service” and insert “relevant public authority”. Full speech
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Amendment 159, page 6, line 4, leave out second “service” and insert “authority”. Full speech
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Amendment 160, page 6, line 5, leave out “service” and insert “authority”. Full speech
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Amendment 161, page 6, line 6, leave out “service’s” and insert “authority’s”. Full speech
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Amendment 162, page 6, line 7, leave out paragraph (a). Full speech
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Amendment 163, page 6, line 10, leave out “service” and insert “authority”. Full speech
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Amendment 164, page 6, line 11, leave out “service” and insert “authority”. Full speech
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Amendment 165, page 6, line 12, at end insert- Full speech
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Amendment 33, page 6, line 13, leave out subsection (4).- (Catherine Atkinson). Full speech
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Amendments made: 166, page 6, line 28, at end insert- Full speech
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Amendment 167, page 7, line 7, at end insert- Full speech
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Amendment 168, page 7, line 9, at end insert- Full speech
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Amendments made: 37, page 8, line 7, leave out “code” and insert Full speech
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Amendment 38, page 9, line 5, at end insert- Full speech
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Amendment 39, page 9, line 7, at end insert- Full speech
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Amendments made: 40, page 10, line 2, leave out paragraph (a). Full speech
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Amendment 41, page 10, line 10, after “conviction” insert “in England and Wales”. Full speech
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Amendment 42, page 10, line 11, at end insert- Full speech
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Amendment proposed : 19, page 10, line 23, at end insert- Full speech
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Question put, That the amendment be made. Full speech
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Proceedings interrupted (Programme Order, 3 November 2025 ). Full speech
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The Deputy Speaker put forthwith the Question s necessary for the disposal of the business to be concluded at that time (Standing Order No. 83E). Full speech
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Amendments made: 43, page 11, line 22, after “must” insert “be directed to”. Full speech
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Amendment 44, page 12, line 4, after “section” insert Full speech
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Amendment 45, page 12, line 5, at end insert- Full speech
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Amendments made: 46, page 12, line 24, after “section” insert Full speech
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Amendment 47, page 12, line 25, at end insert- Full speech
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Amendment 48, page 12, line 28, leave out subsection (7) and insert- Full speech
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Amendments made: 49, page 12, line 33, leave out subsection (1). Full speech
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Amendment 50, page 13, line 2, leave out “England and Wales” and insert “the United Kingdom”. Full speech
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Amendment 51, page 13, line 2, at end insert- Full speech
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Amendments made: 52, page 13, line 8, leave out “Secretary of State” and insert “appropriate national authority”. Full speech
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Amendment 53, page 13, line 11, leave out from beginning to end of line 20. Full speech
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Amendment 54, page 13, line 21, leave out “or (4)”.- (Catherine Atkinson.) Full speech
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Amendments made: 55, page 13, line 23, leave out Full speech
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Amendment 56, page 13, line 30, leave out “common law”. Full speech
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Amendment 57, page 13, line 31, after “office” insert Full speech
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Amendments made: 58, page 14, line 35, leave out from “members” to end of line 36 and insert Full speech
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Amendment 59, page 14, leave out lines 38 and 39 and insert- Full speech
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Amendment 60, page 14, line 43, at end insert- Full speech
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Amendments made: 61, page 16, line 32, leave out paragraph (b). Full speech
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Amendment 62, page 16, line 33, at end insert- Full speech
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Amendment 63, page 17, line 9, leave out from “procedure,” to end of line 11 and insert Full speech
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Amendment 64, page 17, line 12, leave out from “procedure,” to end of line 14 and insert Full speech
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Amendments made: 65, page 18, line 16, at end insert Full speech
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Amendment 66, page 19, line 31, at end insert Full speech
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Amendment 67, page 20, line 28, leave out “maintained school” and insert Full speech
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Amendment 68, page 20, line 29, leave out “20(7)” and insert “142(1)”. Full speech
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Amendment 69, page 20, line 31, leave out from “Academy” to end of line 32 and insert Full speech
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Amendments made: 70, page 22, line 23, leave out Full speech
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Amendment 71, page 22, line 25, leave out paragraph (b) and insert- Full speech
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Amendment made: 72, page 23, line 5, after “Schedule 1” insert Full speech
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Amendments made: 169, page 24, line 15, leave out from “that” to end of line 17 and insert Full speech
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Amendment 170, page 24, line 17, at end insert- Full speech
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Amendment 171, page 24, leave out lines 34 to 37 and insert- Full speech
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Amendment 172, page 25, leave out lines 23 to 29 and insert- Full speech
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Amendment 173, page 25, line 37, at end insert- Full speech
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Amendment 174, page 25, line 39, at end insert- Full speech
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Amendment 175, page 26, line 36, leave out from “that” to end of line 37 and insert Full speech
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Amendment 176, page 26, line 37, at end insert- Full speech
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Amendment 177, page 27, line 12, leave out paragraph (c) and insert- Full speech
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Amendment 76, page 27, line 32, leave out “(1) and (2)”. Full speech
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Amendment 178, page 28, line 38, leave out sub-paragraph (11) and insert- Full speech
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Amendment 179, page 30, line 38, at end insert- Full speech
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Amendment 78, page 30, line 40, leave out “sub-paragraph (11)” and insert “sub-paragraphs (11) and (11A)”. Full speech
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Amendment 180, page 31, line 3, leave out from “that” to end of line 4 and insert Full speech
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Amendment 181, page 31, line 4, at end insert- Full speech
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Amendment 182, page 31, line 18, leave out paragraph (c) and insert- Full speech
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Amendment 79, page 31, line 38, leave out “(1) and (2)”. Full speech
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Amendment 80, page 32, line 33, leave out paragraph (c). Full speech
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Amendment 183, page 32, line 39, at end insert- Full speech
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Amendment 184, page 34, leave out lines 21 to 24 and insert- Full speech
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Amendment 185, page 34, line 43, leave out from beginning to end of line 6 on page 35 and insert- Full speech
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Amendment 186, page 35, line 15, at end insert- Full speech
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Amendment 187, page 35, line 17, at end insert- Full speech
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Amendment 188, page 36, line 4, at end insert Full speech
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Amendment 189, page 36, line 9, at end insert- Full speech
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Amendment 190, page 36, leave out lines 28 to 31 and insert- Full speech
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Amendment 191, page 37, leave out lines 25 to 31 and insert- Full speech
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Amendment 192, page 37, line 39, at end insert ““protected information” ;”. Full speech
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Amendment 193, page 37, line 41, at end insert ““relevant public authority” ;”. Full speech
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Amendment 194, page 39, leave out lines 21 to 24 and insert- Full speech
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Amendment 195, page 40, leave out lines 1 to 7 and insert- Full speech
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Amendment 196, page 40, line 16, at end insert ““protected information” ;”. Full speech
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Amendment 197, page 40, line 18, at end insert ““relevant public authority” ;”. Full speech
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Amendment 91, page 41, line 24, leave out paragraph (c). Full speech
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Amendment 198, page 41, line 38, at end insert- Full speech
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Amendment 93, page 42, line 42, leave out paragraphs (a) and (b) and insert- Full speech
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Amendment 94, page 43, line 31, leave out “this paragraph” and insert Full speech
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Amendments made: 95, page 46, line 8, leave out “or (11)” and insert “, (11) or (11A)”. Full speech
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Amendment 96, page 46, line 8, at end insert- Full speech
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Amendment 97, page 46, line 32, at end insert- Full speech
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Amendments made: 98, page 47, line 38, leave out from “Kingdom” to “unless” in line 2 of page 48. Full speech
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Amendment 99, page 48, line 7, after “5” insert “or 11”. Full speech
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Amendment 100, page 48, line 21, after “5” insert “or 11”. Full speech
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Amendment 101, page 48, line 26, leave out sub-paragraph (2).- (Catherine Atkinson.) Full speech
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Amendments made: 102, page 49, line 35, at end insert- Full speech
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Amendment 103, page 49, line 36, leave out paragraph 2. Full speech
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Amendment 104, page 50, line 4, leave out from “State” to end of line 10. Full speech
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Amendment 105, page 50, line 11, leave out “The condition is that” and insert Full speech
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Amendment 106, page 50, line 16, at end insert “(aa) the Scottish Ministers,”. Full speech
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Amendment 107, page 50, line 17, at end insert- Full speech
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Amendment 108, page 50, line 23, at end insert- Full speech
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Amendment 109, page 50, line 26, at end insert- Full speech
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Amendment 110, page 50, line 33, after “body” insert Full speech
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Amendment 111, page 50, line 34, at end insert- Full speech
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Amendment 112, page 51, line 28, at end insert- Full speech
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Amendment 113, page 51, line 33, at end insert- Full speech
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Amendment 114, page 51, line 34, leave out “fire and rescue authority” and insert Full speech
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Amendment 115, page 51, line 37, after “exercises” insert “core”. Full speech
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Amendment 116, page 51, line 37, leave out from “detention,” to end of line 39. Full speech
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Amendment 117, page 51, line 39, at end insert- Full speech
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Amendment 118, page 52, line 2, at end insert- Full speech
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Amendment 119, page 52, line 3, leave out paragraph 16 and insert- Full speech
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Amendment 120, page 52, line 10, leave out sub-paragraph (1). Full speech
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Amendment 121, page 52, line 11, leave out from “person” to “is” in line 12 and insert “who”. Full speech
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Amendment 122, page 52, line 13, at end insert- Full speech
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Amendment 123, page 52, line 17, at end insert- Full speech
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Amendment 124, page 52, line 20, at end insert- Full speech
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Amendment 125, page 52, line 20, at end insert- Full speech
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Amendment 126, page 52, line 21, leave out paragraph 18. Full speech
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Amendment 127, page 52, line 29, leave out from “authority” to end of line 31. Full speech
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Amendment 128, page 52, line 32, leave out “in England”. Full speech
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Amendment 129, page 52, line 32, at end insert- Full speech
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Amendment 130, page 52, line 34, leave out from “school” to end of line 3 on page 53. Full speech
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Amendment 131, page 52, line 35, at end insert- Full speech
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Amendment 132, page 53, line 18, leave out “or” and insert “, the Scottish Ministers,”. Full speech
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Amendment 133, page 53, line 18, at end insert Full speech
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Amendments made: 134, page 54, line 18, leave out Full speech
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Amendment 135, page 54, line 19, at end insert- Full speech
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Amendments made: 136, page 60, line 38, after “authority” insert Full speech
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Amendment 137, page 60, line 39, at end insert- Full speech
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Amendment 138, page 61, line 20, at end insert- Full speech
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Amendment 139, page 62, line 4, leave out Full speech
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Amendment 140, page 62, line 10, leave out Full speech
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Amendment 141, page 62, line 21, at end insert- Full speech
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Amendment 142, page 62, line 21, at end insert- Full speech
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“(and see also paragraph 4(2A) of Schedule 1)”.- (Catherine Atkinson.) Full speech
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“a relevant public authority (other than the head of that authority when discharging obligations on behalf of it)”. Full speech
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“For the purpose of securing compliance with the obligation under section 2(3),”. Full speech
Let me begin, as I have throughout the passage of this Bill, by placing at the forefront my admiration for the campaigners-the families and friends of the 97 who lost their lives in the Hillsborough tragedy. On 15 April 1989 their lives were changed forever. Nothing could be done to bring back their loved ones after they were gone. Anyone who has lost someone close to them suddenly like that knows the experience of their world changing in an instant, when at one point the person they care deeply... Full speech
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(b) in relation to the Secret Intelligence Service, the Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service; Full speech
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“5A (1) A member of the Northern Ireland Assembly. Full speech
It is a pleasure to follow my constituency neighbour and hon. Friend the Member for Middlesbrough and Thornaby East (Andy McDonald). I share his views about the need for action on the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys inquiry. When I first considered running for public office, my wife said to me that she was sure that at some point I would end up voting for things with which she did not agree, but that I must promise her that I would do one thing, and that was never to engage with The Sun . That is one... Full speech
I thank my hon. Friend for his intervention. We are seeking a full culture change, and are trying to prevent any kind of attitude of covering things up. I am happy to meet him further to discuss that specific case. All the work that has been undertaken has enabled us to find a solution that provides full application of the duty, while protecting national security, which is absolutely essential. Full speech
The hon. Member is saying that the intelligence services are not protected under the current legislation. Could he say why? Full speech
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This amendment, together with amendments 62, 63, 64, 93 and 94, make technical changes in relation to Welsh statutory instruments that are consequential on the commencement of section 1 of the Legislation (Procedure, Publication and Repeals) (Wales) Act 2025. Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on the extension of Part 3 of the Bill (misconduct in public office) to Scotland and Northern Ireland. Full speech
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(9A) Before a senior coroner conducting an investigation gives a compliance direction to an individual who works (or used to work) for a relevant public authority (and so far as the direction relates to their work for the authority), the senior coroner must consult the authority for the purpose of ensuring that compliance with the obligations imposed by virtue of the direction will assist the investigation to meet its objectives.” Full speech
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and an individual is not required to provide any protected information in response to a direction given in contravention of this subsection. Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on the extension of Part 3 of the Bill (misconduct in public office) to Scotland and Northern Ireland. Full speech
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This amendment provides for limited circumstances in which the duty to give a notification under clause 2(3) to the person leading an investigation or inquiry does not apply and provides for certain safeguards in relation to the provision of protected information under clause 2(4). The terms “protected information” and “relevant public authority” are defined in clause 8 as amended by Amendments 167 and 168. Full speech
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“where a public authority is, or is represented by, an interested person at an inquest or a participant in a Scottish inquiry.” Full speech
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“1A A member of the Scottish government (see section 44 of the Scotland Act 1998) or a junior Scottish Minister (see section 49 of that Act). Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on the extension of Part 3 of the Bill (misconduct in public office) to Scotland and Northern Ireland. Full speech
You are probably aware, Madam Deputy Speaker, of the fact that I have chaired the all-party parliamentary group on Primodos for the last 14 years. The Minister may well be aware that earlier in the Bill’s consideration I asked for reassurance that independent panels established by Ministers would be covered, such as the expert working group report on Primodos, which was set up by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency as part of the Department of Health and Social Care. Can the ... Full speech
My constituent Gary is one of the victims of the infected blood scandal. He was a pupil at Treloar’s College, and 120 boys from Treloar’s were given contaminated blood. Will my hon. Friend join me in paying tribute to those boys who have fought so hard for justice, and does she agree that it has taken far too long? Full speech
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(2) In section 36 (regulations), in subsection (3), after paragraph (bb) insert- Full speech
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(2D) The second condition is that the information would not be of assistance to the inquiry or investigation in meeting its objectives. Full speech
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This amendment defines the term “protected information” for the purposes of the amendment made to clause 6 by Amendment 157. Full speech
If the Prime Minister wanted to truly live up to that promise, he would not have introduced legislation with less than 24 hours’ notice on an issue of national security. As the House has alluded to, I would have wanted the opportunity to make this moment a purely positive one, but I am afraid that the Prime Minister has made it impossible for me to fulfil my duties to the House. To give less than 24 hours’ notice for consideration of a Bill before its Third Reading is simply unacceptable. The Ho... Full speech
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“(c) must include a description of the matters or issues to be covered in complying with the direction and may specify further requirements to be complied with (and may specify the form and manner in which, and the period within which, obligations imposed by virtue of the direction are to be complied with);”. Full speech
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(b) in Scotland, severe injury (including psychological injury).”- (Catherine Atkinson.) Full speech
It is important to stress that nothing in this Bill, and nothing about its practical effect, changes our position in relation to national security. Many in our public services work in sensitive roles, and revealing their identity could put them 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 from the requirement to notif... Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on Amendment 157. Full speech
I thank the right hon. Lady for raising that point. It was on that basis that I sought sincerely to engage properly with the Bill, and the Ministers and officials who met me repeatedly would be able to attest to that. That cannot be sustained when a Government bring forward legislation with 24 hours’ notice of important matters of national security. The Government say that they have now resolved the central tension that led to the Bill being pulled. After months of negotiations, the central clai... Full speech
It is a true privilege to have been present for this debate, and to have heard some of the most incredible contributions that I have ever heard in this place. I will be mercifully brief. I recognise that it is to the Prime Minister’s considerable credit that he has fulfilled his manifesto commitment and got the Bill to this point within a year of his remarks at the Labour party conference in Liverpool last year. I also put on record my recognition of my right hon. Friend the Member for Makerfiel... Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on amendments 40 and 70. Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on the extension of Part 3 of the Bill (misconduct in public office) to Scotland and Northern Ireland. Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on the extension of Part 3 of the Bill (misconduct in public office) to Northern Ireland. - (Catherine Atkinson.) Full speech
With the leave of the House, it is an honour and a privilege to close today’s debate. This Bill exists because people refused to be silent, and because families who had lost everything were told to move on, stop asking questions and accept half-truths at best, bare-faced lies at worst. Instead, they chose to fight. For too long in this country when a disaster has struck, the balance of power has lain with the state, not with the people who suffered harm. The people it should have protected were ... Full speech
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(d) the Chief Constable of the Ministry of Defence Police; Full speech
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and an individual is not required to provide any protected information in response to a direction given in contravention of this sub-paragraph. Full speech
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This amendment ensures that the duty of candour and assistance may require a person who works for an intelligence service, military intelligence, the NCA, Counter Terrorism Command or the armed forces to provide security or intelligence information with the consent of the head of their service. Full speech
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(5) In subsection (4) “sheriff court district” is to be read in accordance with the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 (see section 307(1) of that Act).”- (Catherine Atkinson.) Full speech
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See the explanatory statement for Amendment 61. Full speech
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“4A (1) A member of the Scottish Parliament. Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on Amendments 40. Full speech
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This amendment requires a compliance direction to include a description of matters or issues to be covered when complying with the direction. Full speech
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and an individual is not required to provide any protected information in response to a direction given in contravention of this sub-paragraph. Full speech
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See the explanatory statement for Amendment 61. Full speech
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“(2) In sub-paragraph (1), “core functions” means- Full speech
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(b) at a public school in Scotland within the meaning of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980 (see section 135(1) of that Act).” Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on Amendments 136 and 137. Full speech
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“in subsection (11), omit “England and Wales or”” Full speech
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See the explanatory statement to Amendment 171. Full speech
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(b) in such sheriff court district as the Lord Advocate may determine. Full speech
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“(c) must include a description of the matters or issues to be covered in complying with the direction and may specify further requirements to be complied with (and may specify the form and manner in which, and the period within which, obligations imposed by virtue of the direction are to be complied with);”. Full speech
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“A person does not fall within sub-paragraph (1) if”. Full speech
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(e) the Chief Constable of the Civil Nuclear Constabulary; Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on Amendments 155 and 157. Full speech
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“(13) A compliance direction requiring the provision of protected information from an individual- Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on the extension of Part 3 of the Bill (misconduct in public office) to Scotland. Full speech
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““Scottish inquiry” means an inquiry held under the Inquiries into Fatal Accidents and Sudden Deaths etc. (Scotland) Act 2016 (asp 2) (and the reference to a participant at such an inquiry is to be read in accordance with section 11(2)(b) of that Act);”.- (Catherine Atkinson.) Full speech
A Government who have, inadvertently, repeatedly misled us on this Bill now want us to take them on trust. I heard personally and directly from Ministers and officials repeatedly that independent safeguards were needed, and now, apparently, they are not. Supposedly, over the weekend, those concerns have evaporated, and that is totally unacceptable. We are suddenly setting aside in a matter of days what the security services have told us for 18 months, in consistent, sober, professional warnings,... Full speech
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See the explanatory statement to Amendment 172. Full speech
Order. The shadow Minister must be heard. Full speech
It is a privilege to follow the hon. Member for Widnes and Halewood (Derek Twigg), my colleague on the Intelligence and Security Committee. I agree with everything that he has said. It is important to begin by recognising the remarkable determination of everyone who has sought to translate immense personal pain into an improvement in the way in which the state treats its citizens. That applies to the families who have campaigned so hard and to Members of this House who have applied their own det... Full speech
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“or Part 5 of Schedule 6”.- (Catherine Atkinson.) Full speech
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(a) references (in the definitions of “protected information” and “relevant public authority”) to the “counter-terrorism and other national security functions” of a police force are to any functions carried out under a collaboration agreement made under section 22A of the Police Act 1996 for the purpose of addressing, on a collaborative basis with other police forces, threats posed to national security; Full speech
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(ci) the holder of an office mentioned in Schedule 1 to the Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002; Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on the extension of Part 3 of the Bill (misconduct in public office) to Scotland and Northern Ireland. Full speech
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(b) an individual who is a public official by virtue of working for, or otherwise holding office under, a public authority within paragraph (a).” Full speech
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“Exercise of other powers in relation to legal aid Full speech
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1C A Minister or junior Minister within the meaning of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 (see sections 7(3) and 19 of that Act).” Full speech
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This amendment ensures that public authority codes of conduct are primarily required to cover those with employment or contractual relationship with the authority, excluding from scope individuals who exercise functions on behalf of the authority but may not be directly accountable to it. Full speech
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(3) A Parole Commissioner for Northern Ireland.” Full speech
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(b) in any other case, may be given only to a public official who works (or used to work) for a relevant public authority, Full speech
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This amendment provides for an exclusion from the definition of “public official” for those appointed as members of the Children’s Panel in Scotland. Full speech
One of the hon. Gentleman’s former colleagues went to Downing Street just a month ago with a letter that says he believes he was misled by his own Department when he was the Secretary of State for Defence, so why on earth is the hon. Gentleman arguing this particular case? If Defence Secretaries are misled by their Departments, I do not really understand his faith in leaders of intelligence services and others not being able to hide the truth purely to defend their own Departments. Full speech
Before he leaves the Chamber, I say to the right hon. Member for Godalming and Ash (Sir Jeremy Hunt) that I agree very much with what he said about transparency and its importance. He made the point that lawyers are sometimes a problem. Obviously, the legal system, in which I used to be a participant, is adversarial. A bit like in this Chamber, we have the defence and we have the prosecution, and it is not the fault of the lawyers themselves if they are perhaps not as helpful as they could be. M... Full speech
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See the explanatory statement to Amendment 171. Full speech
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See the explanatory statement to Amendment 171. Full speech
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(2) A member of the police staff within the meaning of that Act. Full speech
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“(ca) the Lord President or Lord Justice Clerk of the Court of Session; Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on the extension of Part 3 of the Bill (misconduct in public office) to Northern Ireland. Full speech
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“school maintained by a local authority”. Full speech
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“sub-paragraph (2)(b), (3)(c) or (5)(b)”.- (Catherine Atkinson.) Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on Amendment 67. Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on Amendment 157. Full speech
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(ab) on summary conviction in Northern Ireland, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum (or both);”- ( Catherine Atkinson.) Full speech
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(2J) Subsection (2I) does not apply in relation to an investigation under Part 1 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (see instead paragraph 3 of Schedule 1 to that Act).”- (Catherine Atkinson.) Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on the extension of Part 3 of the Bill (misconduct in public office) to Scotland and Northern Ireland. Full speech
My sense is that we could have some equity in the amount of legal aid given to families and individuals fighting big organisations, such as public bodies. If the rates of the specialists and professionals who are supporting the public bodies came down, and matched the rising rate of legal aid for the support of those individuals and families, we might be in a situation where could be some equity. That would make investigation much simpler for the courts and inquests dealing with such cases, beca... Full speech
I call the Liberal Democrat spokesperson. Full speech
The Office of the Chief Coroner has continued work to improve access to prevention of future deaths reports, while the Government seek to strengthen arrangements for responding to concerns raised through them, including better and more strategic use of technology. In addition to the work that the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee is undertaking, there is clearly work to be done in relation to inquests and in relation to inquiries and their recommendations, and I look for... Full speech
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(b) any other power of the Lord Chancellor to make orders or regulations under Part 1 of that Act.” Full speech
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“they are subject to the Senedd annulment procedure (see section 37E of the Legislation (Wales) Act 2019 (anaw 4));”. Full speech
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(3) Subject to sub-paragraph (4), a person is in state detention if the person is compulsorily detained by a public authority within the meaning of section 6 of the Human Rights Act 1998. Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on Amendment 185. Full speech
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“(2A) Where, in compliance with the obligation under section 2(4), a person who works for an intelligence service, a military intelligence service, the National Crime Agency, Counter Terrorism Command, or one of the armed forces, would be required to provide security or intelligence information, the obligation applies in respect of that information only if the head of the service or agency consents to it being provided. Full speech
I started my speech on Second Reading in November last year by saying: “This has been a long time coming.” -[ Official Report , 3 November 2025; Vol. 774, c. 681.] Even more time has passed since then, but thanks to the determination, strength and effort of many survivors and campaigners-some of whom are in the Gallery today-and of those on the Labour Benches, and to the support of a number of dedicated people in this place, we are here at last, with the finish line in sight again. Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on the extension of Part 3 of the Bill (misconduct in public office) to Scotland and Northern Ireland. Full speech
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“(11A) A compliance direction requiring the provision of protected information from an individual- Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on Amendment 157. Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on the extension of Part 3 of the Bill (misconduct in public office) to Scotland and Northern Ireland. Full speech
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(iv) Healthcare Improvement Scotland established under section 10A of that Act;”. Full speech
As I have said, this could have been a Bill that we supported without reservation, but I am afraid that we maintain reservations about it, entirely as a result of its mismanagement by the Prime Minister. I want to conclude by saying that none of this takes anything at all away from the families. [ Interruption. ] Labour Members do not want to hear this. It does not take anything away from the Members who have done so much to bring this legislation forward, but what is clear is that the Bill is t... Full speech
Order. I will hear the shadow Minister. I appreciate that temperatures are running very high, but it is important that voices are heard in this House. Full speech
I thank the right hon. Member for her intervention. She has my assurance that we are clear that the Bill needs to apply across the United Kingdom, and we are working with devolved nations to ensure that happens. Full speech
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“proprietor” has the meaning given by section 579(1) of the Education Act 1996; Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on the extension of Part 3 of the Bill (misconduct in public office) to Scotland and Northern Ireland. Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on Amendment 172. Full speech
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(a) by such time as the person leading the inquiry or investigation may require by virtue of section 3(5)(a), or Full speech
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“or a Northern Ireland devolved authority”. Full speech
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(b) functions involving the provision of healthcare or education, so far as carried out at a place of state detention. Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on Amendment 157. Full speech
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This amendment requires the Attorney General to consent to the prosecution of anyone for the offence of misleading the public. Full speech
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“(11) A compliance direction requiring the provision of protected information from an individual- Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on the extension of Part 3 of the Bill (misconduct in public office) to Northern Ireland. Full speech
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““head” , in relation to a relevant public authority, means- Full speech
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“(c) must include a description of the matters or issues to be covered in complying with the direction and may specify further requirements to be complied with (and may specify the form and manner in which, and the period within which, obligations imposed by virtue of the direction are to be complied with);”. Full speech
I am afraid I will not. To respond to as many points raised as I can, I do not have time to take interventions. The Bill is about the duty of candour to an inquiry or investigation, and the onward disclosure of information will be determined by each inquiry, inquest or investigation as to what is appropriate and relevant. I would be eager to meet the right hon. Member for Godalming and Ash to discuss what more can be done through the implementation of the Bill and separately to achieve the cultu... Full speech
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(a) in relation to the Security Service, the Director General of the Security Service; Full speech
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(b) in any other case, may be given only to a public official who works (or used to work) for a relevant public authority, Full speech
The Minister is making a passionate and important speech about a long-overdue piece of legislation. Freddie Scappaticci was the agent known as Stakeknife in the IRA. He was involved in lots of murders, but the Government have yet to unmask him as Scappaticci. Will the Bill put an end to the ridiculous position we are in by doing that? Would the Bill have stopped MI5 doing everything in its power to prevent the public from finding out about his crimes? Full speech
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“(4A) Regulations under this Act made by the Welsh Ministers are to be made by Welsh statutory instrument.” Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on Amendment 157. Full speech
If the Government were so concerned about this Bill passing, they should have organised it. We have just listened to a raft of amendments to the Bill being nodded through in this House, with absolutely no scrutiny. [ Interruption. ] Full speech
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(a) a convener elected in accordance with section 4(1) of the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994, Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on Amendments 40 and 70. Full speech
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“(c) a Northern Ireland devolved authority.” Full speech
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(a) in England and Wales and Northern Ireland, grievous bodily harm within the meaning of the Offences against the Person Act 1861; Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on Amendment 179. Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on Amendment 166. Full speech
I will speak to two amendments, but first, I pay tribute to the Hillsborough families, and to two people in particular, with whom I have dealt personally. The first is Margaret Aspinall. As a new Culture Secretary in 2010, I made some ill-chosen comments about the Hillsborough tragedy, and I met Margaret Aspinall afterwards. I apologised, and she graciously accepted that apology. I have always been struck by not just her tenacity, but her dignity and decency. Today has been a long journey, but i... Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on Amendment 191. Full speech
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(cg) the Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland; Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on Amendment 115 and on the extension of Part 3 of the Bill (misconduct in public office) to Scotland and Northern Ireland. Full speech
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“(ca) being appointed as a member of the Children’s Panel in accordance with section 4 of the Children’s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 1);”. Full speech
I used to be a prosecutor before coming to this place. We were able to find perfectly good ways of dealing with confidential sources of information-informants and others. There are procedures already in place for that. Full speech
The Conservatives were in power for 14 years and could have introduced the Bill. Why did they not do so? Full speech
I am tempted to say that the hon. Lady should have a conversation with the Attorney General, who used to prosecute British soldiers and was still appointed to one of the highest offices in the land. Irish republicans, Islamist extremists, useful idiots deployed by Putin’s Russia-they will all see the opportunity in this law, as we know they have seen the opportunity in examples of lawfare fought elsewhere, including Northern Ireland. These are known unknowns, but there are also unknown unknowns.... Full speech
I know that case means a huge amount to the hon. Lady as a constituency MP, and I thank her for all the work she does on the Justice Committee. I think we have only begun to scratch the surface. This Bill will be a transforming piece of legislation. I will make one final comment. Several Members have welcomed, as I do, the huge increase in the provision of legal aid that will come, but for that to be effective, we have to look at legal aid rates and the availability of legal aid practitioners. S... Full speech
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(2H) Where an application is made in accordance with an enactment or rule of law as mentioned in subsection (2F), information must be provided to the inquiry or investigation if, and to the extent that, the enactment or rule of law so requires for the purposes of the application being determined. Full speech
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(a) works for a person within sub-paragraph (2) in relation to the exercise of that person’s judicial functions, or Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on Amendment 183. Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on Amendment 142. Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on the extension of Part 3 of the Bill (misconduct in public office) to Scotland and Northern Ireland. Full speech
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(a) representations are made to a Minister as mentioned in subsection (2G) in relation to the inquiry or investigation, and Full speech
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This amendment ensures that persons exercising judicial functions are subject to the misconduct offences in Part 3 of the Bill even if the office they hold is not specifically mentioned. Full speech
My hon. Friend is most welcome. I am grateful for all the amendments that the Government have tabled, but I remain concerned that the current civil legal aid rate is £40 an hour. She has referred to security-vetted counsel. Is it likely that security-vetted counsel will be prepared to work for £40 an hour, when those of us who have done legal aid work know that, frankly, half the work that we do is unremunerated? Full speech
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(11A) Before the chair of an inquiry gives a compliance direction to an individual who works (or used to work) for a public authority (and so far as the direction relates to their work for the authority), the chair must consult the authority for the purpose of ensuring that compliance with the obligations imposed by virtue of the direction will assist the inquiry to meet its objectives.” Full speech
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4 In section 1 (overview of Act), omit subsection (5)(b)(v).”- (Catherine Atkinson.) Full speech
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(c) in relation to the Government Communications Headquarters, the Director of the Government Communications Headquarters; Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on the extension of Part 3 of the Bill (misconduct in public office) to Scotland and Northern Ireland and also makes drafting refinements. Full speech
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(a) relates to security or intelligence, within the meaning given by section 1(9) of the Official Secrets Act 1989; Full speech
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(2I) A person leading an inquiry or investigation must suspend it if- Full speech
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(c) relates to the exercise by the National Crime Agency of its criminal intelligence function, within the meaning given by section 1(5) of the Crime and Courts Act 2013; Full speech
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“(f) any other member of a court or tribunal in which legal proceedings may be brought.” Full speech
I feel tempted to start this speech by saying, “As I was saying 10 years ago in this place,” but it feels fitting to be here tonight, and particularly to be with my right hon. and learned Friend the Prime Minister. I remember very clearly that at the conclusion of the second Hillsborough inquest, he worked with me, as part of the shadow Health team back then, to draft the original Bill that was presented to Parliament. Tonight, it is before this House. Tonight, it feels like life is coming full ... Full speech
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This amendment (together with Amendment 188) clarifies that the duty to give a compliance direction to an individual applies only if the procurator fiscal considers that compliance with the direction will help the inquiry to meet its objectives. Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on the extension of Part 3 of the Bill (misconduct in public office) to Scotland and Northern Ireland. Full speech
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(e) in relation to the National Crime Agency, the Director General of the National Crime Agency; Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on the extension of Part 3 of the Bill (misconduct in public office) to Scotland and Northern Ireland. Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on the extension of Part 3 of the Bill (misconduct in public office) to Scotland and Northern Ireland. Full speech
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“(a) they are subject to the Senedd confirmation procedure (see section 37D of the Legislation (Wales) Act 2019 (anaw 4)), and Full speech
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(cf) the President of, or a member of, the Mental Health Tribunal for Scotland; Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on the extension of Part 3 of the Bill (misconduct in public office) to Scotland and Northern Ireland. Full speech
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“they are subject to the Senedd approval procedure (see section 37C of that Act).”- (Catherine Atkinson.) Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on Amendment 157. Full speech
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See the explanatory statement to Amendment 172. Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on the extension of Part 3 of the Bill (misconduct in public office) to Scotland and Northern Ireland. Full speech
The people who lead these inquiries are leading public figures and have usually held significant judicial office. Is the hon. Member honestly suggesting that they are going to be successfully pressured by people who want to destroy the British state? Full speech
It is more than a privilege to follow my hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool West Derby (Ian Byrne), and to speak in support of the Government amendments and in favour of the Bill as a whole. This law represents far more than legislation; it represents a promise-a promise that the suffering endured by the Hillsborough families, and all those who have been sadly failed by the state, will never be repeated. It is a promise that no bereaved family will ever again be forced to spend decades fightin... Full speech
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(d) a person who is an interested person by virtue of section 47(2)(l) of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 Act (persons appointed by a Government department).” Full speech
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1B A member of the Welsh Government (see section 45 of the Government of Wales Act 2006). Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on Amendment 176. Full speech
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(b) issuing or conducting court proceedings.” Full speech
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(b) the offence may for all incidental purposes be treated as committed at any such place. Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on the extension of Part 3 of the Bill (misconduct in public office) to Northern Ireland. Full speech
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(2G) The second condition is that representations are made to a Minister for the inquiry or investigation to become an inquiry established under the Inquiries Act 2005 (in cases where it is not being held under that Act). Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on the extension of Part 3 of the Bill (misconduct in public office) to Scotland and Northern Ireland. Full speech
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“(1A) A member of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Full speech
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This amendment is to clarify the meaning of this amendment of legal aid regulations. Full speech
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(c) the Director General of the Independent Office for Police Conduct; Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on Amendment 198. Full speech
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(iii) a senior councillor.”- (Catherine Atkinson.) Full speech
One of the things that has always struck me about this law is how we can change accountability. Just a couple of weeks ago, Donna Ockenden’s report about the Nottingham maternity scandal set out the fact that public officials did not come forward to tell the truth about those tragic incidents. Does my hon. Friend agree that the Bill addresses issues that go far wider than the Hillsborough disaster and that although the Hillsborough families have had to go through so much, many other families hav... Full speech
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(a) in a case where the information concerned relates to security or intelligence (within the meaning given by section 1(9) of the Official Secrets Act 1989), may be given only to a public official who works (or used to work) for an intelligence service; Full speech
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(13A) Before the procurator fiscal gives a compliance direction to an individual who works (or used to work) for a relevant public authority (and so far as the direction relates to their work for the authority), the procurator fiscal must consult the authority for the purpose of ensuring that compliance with the obligations imposed by virtue of the direction will assist the inquiry to which the investigation relates to meet its objectives.” Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on the extension of Part 3 of the Bill (misconduct in public office) to Scotland and Northern Ireland. Full speech
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This amendment is to include cases where some or all of the standards of conduct expected of a person who works for a public authority are contained in legislation or otherwise than in the authority’s code of ethical conduct. Full speech
It is an absolute privilege to bring the Bill back to the House on Report. I know that Members across the House have long supported it and have been waiting for its return. At its heart, this legislation is about what people should expect from the state when the worst happens: honesty, transparency and a system that stands with victims and families, not against them. For too long, that has not been the experience of too many people in this country; bereaved and traumatised families have been for... Full speech
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“(7A) A prosecution for an offence under this section shall not be instituted except by or with the consent of the Attorney General.”- (Dr Mullan.) Full speech
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See the explanatory statement to Amendment 172. Full speech
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“school or an alternative provision Academy”.- (Catherine Atkinson.) Full speech
I will-my hon. Friend assists me in finding my place in my notes again, so I thank her. Full speech
I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for the time she has spent with me in raising this and other issues. Under our proposed expansion, multiple family members will be able to receive non-means-tested legal help to prepare for an inquest hearing where a public authority is an interested person, and that includes help with preparing documents to send to the inquest. Increasing the number of legal representatives when it comes to advocacy is an area of some concern. Inquests are fact-finding proc... Full speech
I call the Chair of the Justice Select Committee. Full speech
It is clear that there needs to be public confidence about what happens to any recommendations, and this is therefore an area of work that is being considered. I am happy to ensure that my hon. Friend is kept up to date with the work as it continues. I will now make some progress. Transforming the ability of investigations to get to the truth is essential, and I hope that the House recognises how far we have come. On Second Reading, the Prime Minister said that we would only strengthen this Bill... Full speech
I rise in support of new clauses 5 and 6, and Government new clause 8, and I would like to declare my interest as chair of the all-party parliamentary group on miscarriages of justice. As we all know, Hillsborough stands as one of the greatest miscarriages of justice this country has ever seen. I want to start by joining my colleagues in recognising the strength and resilience of all those who have got us to this point today, including, first and foremost, the families who fought for decades to ... Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on Amendment 191. Full speech
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This amendment makes clear that nothing in Part 4 of Schedule 6 to the Bill affects the exercise of the Lord Chancellor’s powers to make orders and regulations about legal aid. Full speech
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See the explanatory statement for Amendment 61. Full speech
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“(bc) is participating, or seeking to participate, in inquiry proceedings within the meaning of the Inquiries into Fatal Accidents and Sudden Deaths etc. (Scotland) Act 2016 (see section 11(2)(a) of that Act);””.- (Catherine Atkinson.) Full speech
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“school maintained by a local authority” has the same meaning as in the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 (see section 142(1) of that Act).” Full speech
If it is specifically in relation to security services, and to security at the moment- Full speech
I join my many colleagues in paying tribute to the Hillsborough families-those in the Gallery today, and those who, for very understandable reasons, felt that they could not be here. Your quest for justice is truly inspirational to all of us, and I thank you so very much for your perseverance and everything you have done. I do not doubt that it will make the country a better place. Many people have raised concerns about the duty of candour in this legislation, and its application to the security... Full speech
I start by paying tribute to the victims and survivors who have got us to this point, and to the many hon. Members across the House who have shared personal testimonies and those of their constituents from many different disasters, including Hillsborough. If the House will allow me, I will change the context of the debate a tiny bit and talk about amendment 149, tabled in my name, which seeks to include water companies in the scope of the code of conduct and duty of candour.The amendment has bee... Full speech
I support the Bill and the amendments put forward by the Government. Back in May 1998, when I first spoke in a debate about the Hillsborough disaster, I could never have imagined that 28 years later I would be debating new legislation to address the state’s failings in respect of that disaster. My right hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool Garston (Maria Eagle) was there with me. She and I first uncovered the altered statements in the House of Commons Library; she played a very important role in... Full speech
I am going to make some progress, and then I will take interventions again. The amendments before the House ensure that the duty of candour and assistance applies to all individual intelligence officers, while establishing secure procedures for the disclosure of sensitive information. First, the Bill as introduced did not allow compliance directions to be issued to individual intelligence officers; rather, they were issued to the organisation that officers worked for. There were concerns that th... Full speech
I usually have to ask the King for consent, Madam Deputy Speaker. I beg to move, That the Bill be now read the Third time. I still remember the first time I met the Hillsborough families with Bishop James Jones. That was nearly 15 years ago, as the Director of Public Prosecutions. It was a humbling experience, and I was taken aback by their courage. To be able to campaign after such unimaginable loss-it floored me. As a father of teenagers who come to watch football with me, I do not think I cou... Full speech
I think the hon. Lady, whether it is by design or by mistake, misunderstands my point. Of course, there should be accountability and transparency, and there are many ways in which we can do that, but there are ways of doing it that do not jeopardise the operations of the most sensitive organisations in the country by revealing their sources, their methods and their technological capabilities. There are also serious flaws in the proposals to create a new duty to prevent death or serious injury an... Full speech
With this it will be convenient to discuss the following: Government new clause 9 . New clause 1- Post-legislative assessment of the legal duty of candour for public authorities and public officials - “(1) The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the passing of this Act, publish a report into- (a) the impact of the Act’s provisions on increasing public confidence that public authorities’ internal processes are fit for purpose in identifying and investigating failures when they first aris... Full speech
I totally agree with my hon. Friend. She is making a powerful point about the Nottingham maternity scandal, and I know that the Hillsborough families have been supporting those families in their fight for truth, justice and accountability. That is why this law is so important: it is so much more and has become so much more than just being about the Hillsborough families. It has encompassed everything that we know that we need regarding our public institutions and the duty of candour. That is why... Full speech
I rise to speak as a member of the Bill Committee and principally in support of amendment 20 in my name, which seeks to provide a necessary layer of democratic parliamentary scrutiny of the actions of the intelligence services. I listened very carefully to what the members of the ISC present-the hon. Member for Widnes and Halewood (Derek Twigg) and the right hon. and learned Member for Kenilworth and Southam (Sir Jeremy Wright)-had to say. Ultimately, behind my amendment was the fact that democr... Full speech
I begin by echoing the words of the Prime Minister and the right hon. Member for Makerfield (Andy Burnham) in paying tribute to the Hillsborough campaigners. Our whole country owes them a debt, and I want to speak about that, but I want to do so in the spirit of cross-party support and working that this moment demands. I want to pay tribute personally to the Prime Minister for the work that he has done on this, having to overcome the difficulties, as we know, with the security issues. I also wan... Full speech
Order. I think that the shadow Minister needs to be very careful in his use of language. Full speech
I was nine years old at the time of the Hillsborough tragedy, and I remember listening to the news of the terrible events on the radio, sitting behind my parents in the car. I was 32 when, while working in the Home Office, I received a copy of the report by the Hillsborough independent panel, which detailed the full horror of that terrible tragedy. In my time in the Home Office I saw many intelligence reports and papers about serious crimes and terror plots, but the Hillsborough report was undou... Full speech
I would challenge any MP, no matter how supportive of this legislation-which has such far-reaching consequences for the operation of the Government-to say that its progress, particularly over the last 24 hours, is anything like careful and considered. Full speech
As an Opposition MP myself, I must say that my party and I have been critical of the handover of power that has taken place in the Labour party, but this particular moment, on Third Reading, should belong to the families. [Hon. Members: “Hear, hear!”] We can do our party political point-scoring whenever and wherever we like, but does the hon. Member not agree that this moment should belong to the families? Full speech
I am proud to have sponsored the original proposal, promoted by the hon. Member for Liverpool West Derby (Ian Byrne), and I salute the survivors and the victims’ families. I am glad that the UK Government have listened to them, and that the Bill reflects the level of accountability required of our public authorities. Plaid Cymru stands in firm solidarity with the Hillsborough families and other families in their long campaign for justice. Considering the Labour Government’s reset next week, will... Full speech
I totally agree with my hon. Friend that no one should be exempt, and I pay tribute to everybody who has got us here today. I also pay tribute to my right hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool Garston (Maria Eagle), who has campaigned over so many years in Parliament, and my right hon. Friend the Member for Makerfield (Andy Burnham), whose relentless campaign for justice for the Hillsborough 97 has helped get us here today. I have no doubt that he will do everything he can to get us across the li... Full speech
My hon. Friend is exactly right. The Prime Minister said this was going to be one of his first acts as Prime Minister; it turns out it is going to be his final act as Prime Minister. He is only doing it by the skin of his teeth, because he is presenting a proposal to the House that none of us got to see even this weekend, and those who had been drawn into the consultation process and had been privately consulted say that this bears no relation at all to what they have been shown, even very recen... Full speech
It is absolutely right that recommendations are tracked and that we ensure there is a clear way of giving everyone confidence that recommendations will be implemented. The Cabinet Office is doing a significant piece of work to ensure that that is put in place, and both the Cabinet Office and I will be happy to meet my hon. Friend to share with her the work that is happening, both on recommendations from inquiries and on the prevention of future deaths and inquests. Full speech
I think I have taken enough time, but I thank the Member for that intervention. This afternoon, the Justice Committee signed off a new major report on legal aid, which will be published on Friday. Those who are interested can read more there. In conclusion, this is a landmark piece of legislation, which we should all welcome, and I commend it to the House. Full speech
I welcome the Bill, and thank the Government for introducing it and bringing it back to the House before the summer recess. It is the result of years of committed campaigning, led by the families of the victims and survivors of Hillsborough. Many of the worst corporate miscarriages of justice, from infected blood to Grenfell, would have been exposed years or even decades ago, had the Bill become law sooner. We should celebrate a landmark piece of legislation that-like the Human Rights Act 1998 a... Full speech
Does the hon. Gentleman recognise that chairs of inquiries and inquests already have the power to hold closed sessions in private if they are looking at information that is sensitive or potentially poses a risk to our national security? That already exists, and the measures in the Bill do not impact that at all-it is already done on a daily basis in inquiries. Full speech
It is very welcome to see this Bill back in the Commons to complete its final stages, even though we all expected to see it on the statute book by now. While I understand why there have been frustrations and concerns about the last-minute nature of the Bill’s reintroduction, it is important that we do not let process take precedence over substance. Fundamentally, in this debate we are considering amendments to the Bill, so it is important that we address those, but I think we should start as we ... Full speech
We actually have examples of water companies lying. We had South East Water coming to the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee in January and giving false evidence-so much so that the Chair considered bringing it back for being in contempt of Parliament. Full speech
I am not sure I follow the hon. Member’s question. If he wants to repeat it more clearly, I will happily listen. Full speech
I think there is widespread welcome in the House for the expansion of legal aid, but does the Minister agree that allowing advocacy for each family only to the first person who manages to apply for it might cause some problems subsequent to disasters like Hillsborough? What will she do to try to improve the mechanism for who gets the legal aid? Full speech
In the circumstances following the late change to today’s business, Mr Speaker has selected amendments tabled after what would have been the usual deadline. New Clause 8 Information contained in public records “(1) This section applies to information contained in a record that is transferred to a relevant authority under- (a) the Public Records Act 1958, (b) the Public Records (Scotland) Act 1937, (c) the Public Records Act (Northern Ireland) 1923, or (d) any other enactment or arrangement under... Full speech
My hon. Friend is making an incredibly emotional speech. I know, from the Nottingham maternity review, the harm and hurt that is caused when people with knowledge and involvement in institutional failures are allowed to dodge accountability and scrutiny. Does she agree that it is therefore vital there is no exemption from the duty of candour, including for the security services, and that campaigners, including our hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool West Derby (Ian Byrne), have been right to fi... Full speech
The shadow Secretary of State will know, given his background working in the Home Office, that a duty of candour is not the same as the duty to disclose sensitive information. The two should not be conflated, and he should not be doing so on the Floor of the House. Full speech
I will make some progress, and then I will take interventions. Many have graciously-often at huge personal and emotional cost-shared their experiences with us to shape the Bill. The changes that it brings forward are so needed. It is thanks to their campaigning, perseverance and willingness to work with us to find solutions that the Bill is back before the House today. The House and the country owe them a debt of gratitude. I know that some of them are in the Gallery with us today-thank you. Bef... Full speech
I appreciate the way in which the Minister has responded on the national oversight mechanism, but if this is to have teeth, and if it is to deal with both inquiries and inquests, do we not need a separate public body? It is a substantial piece of work. Full speech
I am grateful to the Minister for giving way on the matter of the safety of our citizens. I have been contacted over the last couple of years by the family of Major Anthony Hornby MBE, who was a victim of the Chinook crash. Today, the Ministry of Defence is in the High Court, fighting for them not to have rights under the duty of candour. Will the Minister step in and ensure that the victims of the Chinook crash are given the same dignity and respect as others, and that their case can come under... Full speech
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“when there are inquiries, there needs to be a better way of ensuring that they are followed through.” -[ Official Report , 3 November 2025; Vol. 774, c. 654.] Full speech
Will the Minister give way on the point about the duty of candour? Full speech
I pay tribute to everyone who has pushed and cajoled the Government to enable us to get to this stage. The Minister mentioned secondary legislation. One of the key areas mentioned in the Grenfell inquiry by Grenfell United and Justice for Grenfell was a national oversight mechanism to make sure that the Government are not marking their own homework when it comes to recommendations from public inquiries. Will that be included in the consultation? Full speech
The Government have already taken steps to improve transparency in response to inquiry recommendations, including launching the new gov.uk dashboards, which demonstrate progress in delivering accepted inquiry recommendations. The Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee is currently considering how the implementation of recommendations resulting from future public inquiries should be scrutinised, and we welcome that. Full speech
Order. Minister, either you take an intervention or do not. Please do not continue a conversation when Members are seated. Full speech
My hon. Friend has been a passionate advocate in relation to legally aided work, and I know that she will take every opportunity to raise concerns about the rates. The amendments mean that the expansion will operate efficiently from the outset, giving bereaved families the support that they need while avoiding delay. Let me turn to the amendment relating to archivists. They play an important role in preserving historical records, but do not account for the actions within them, so we have tabled ... Full speech
No. I would challenge any MP - [Interruption.] Not yet, not yet. No matter how supportive of this legislation, with far-reaching-[Hon. Members: “Give way!”] No, I will finish this moment. With far-reaching consequences- [ Interruption. ] Full speech
My hon. Friend has been a tireless campaigner on behalf of her constituents and the victims of the contaminated blood scandal, and she is right to highlight how long it has taken to get here. I commend the Government for ensuring that we eventually got to this point. These scandals have been uncovered despite the best efforts of public institutions to keep them buried. Institutions that should have been transparent and accountable instead used public money to protect their reputations and deflec... Full speech
My hon. Friend makes an excellent point. We have seen docudramas such as “Dirty Business”, in which water companies have sought to evade scrutiny. This amendment would correct that anomaly. The companies are supposed to perform the same public functions with the same public impact, but without the discipline of market competition. In the Bill, publicly owned water companies such as those that exist outside of England and Wales must follow standards of ethical conduct, including following the pri... Full speech
I just want to record that these families, and families across the country affected by the Bill, have waited years and years too long. I made a promise to these families. I looked them in the eye and said that I would bring this forward as soon as I could. I have kept that promise, and I am proud that this Labour Government are bringing this Bill in. Full speech
I am very happy to meet the hon. Member and others, specifically in relation to the Ministry of Defence, and to give reassurance on how this can work and be done safely. Full speech
I have given the Government evidence that hundreds of children with special educational needs and disabilities are avoidably killing themselves because of public authority negligence and misconduct, including my constituent Jen Bridges-Chalkley. Does the Minister agree that the first step in tackling this problem is knowing how many of these suicides there are? We cannot do that unless we have a national oversight mechanism and a preventable death tracker that measure it. Full speech
Order. Before the Minister responds, I just point out that many colleagues wish to contribute to the debate, so I hope she is coming to her conclusion soon. Full speech
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“(2A) The duty to comply with the obligation under section 2(3) in relation to the inquiry does not apply to- Full speech
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“for the words from “any” to the end of the regulation substitute “civil legal services other than- Full speech
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See the explanatory statement to Amendment 171. Full speech
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(2) A member of the staff of the Scottish Parliament within the meaning of the Scotland Act 1998 (see paragraph 3(2) of Schedule 2 to that Act).” Full speech
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(b) in any other case, may be given only to a public official who works (or used to work) for a relevant public authority, Full speech
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(b) where the person is an individual, compliance with their obligations imposed by virtue of the direction would assist the inquiry to meet its objectives.” Full speech
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(11B) Before the chair of an inquiry gives a compliance direction to an individual who works (or used to work) for a public authority (and so far as the direction relates to their work for the authority), the chair must consult the authority for the purpose of ensuring that compliance with the obligations imposed by virtue of the direction will assist the inquiry to meet its objectives.” Full speech
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(2) A person who is a member of the police support staff, within the meaning given by section 4(6) of that Act. Full speech
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(b) the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 (asp 4); Full speech
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(cd) a member of the Children’s Panel appointed in accordance with section 4 of the Children’s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 1); Full speech
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(d) relates to the exercise by a police force (other than the National Crime Agency) of its counter-terrorism and other national security functions;”. Full speech
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“body mentioned in any of sub-paragraphs (1) to (1B)”. Full speech
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“7A (1) A constable of the Police Service of Scotland, within the meaning of the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012. Full speech
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(cb) a judicial office holder, within the meaning of Part 2 of the Judiciary and Courts (Scotland) Act 2008 (asp 6) (see section 43 of that Act); Full speech
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(a) a public authority (‘the recipient authority’) is in possession of protected information provided by a relevant public authority, and Full speech
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(a) in a case where the information concerned relates to security or intelligence (within the meaning given by section 1(9) of the Official Secrets Act 1989), may be given only to a public official who works (or used to work) for an intelligence service; Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on the extension of Part 3 of the Bill (misconduct in public office) to Northern Ireland. Full speech
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See the explanatory statement to Amendment 172. Full speech
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(d) a police force (other than the National Crime Agency), in the exercise of its counter-terrorism and other national security functions. Full speech
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(4) In the application of subsection (3) to Scotland, any such proceedings against the person may be taken- Full speech
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This amendment clarifies that the obligation under clause 2(3) to give a notification applies to the head of a relevant public authority when acting on its behalf. Full speech
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This amendment provides that Healthcare Improvement Scotland will come within the definition of an “NHS body”. Full speech
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(a) in a case where the information concerned relates to security or intelligence (within the meaning given by section 1(9) of the Official Secrets Act 1989), may be given only to a public official who works (or used to work) for an intelligence service; Full speech
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(2B) The head of an intelligence service, the head of military intelligence service, the head of the National Crime Agency, the head of Counter Terrorism Policing UK, or the head of one of the armed forces may withhold consent under subsection (2A) only if it appears to the head that either of the following conditions is met. Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on Amendment 121. Full speech
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(2C) Where, in compliance with the obligation under section 2(4), a person who works for a relevant public authority (other than the head of that authority) would be required to provide protected information to an inquiry or investigation, the person complies with that obligation by providing the information to the head of the authority. Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on Amendment 170. Full speech
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“and, where the person is an individual, of the matter in subsection (3A)”. Full speech
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“, within the meaning given by section 101 of the Police Act 1996”. Full speech
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(2F) The first condition is that an application is made, by virtue of any enactment or rule of law, for the information to be subject to restrictions on disclosure in accordance with that enactment or rule of law. Full speech
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(b) a children’s hearing within the meaning of the Children’s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 1) arranged by virtue of, or for the purposes of, that Act or any other enactment;”. Full speech
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This amendment provides for clause 11 (offence of misleading the public) and Part 3 (misconduct in public office) to apply and extend to all parts of the United Kingdom. Full speech
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7B (1) A police officer, within the meaning of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000 (see section 77(1) of that Act). Full speech
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This amendment defines the term “relevant public authority” for the purposes of the amendment made to clause 6 by Amendment 157. Full speech
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(4) A person appointed to be a constable under Article 19 of the Airports (Northern Ireland) Order 1994 (S.I. 1994/426 (N.I. 1)).” Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on the extension of Part 3 of the Bill (misconduct in public office) to Scotland and Northern Ireland. Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on Amendment 142. Full speech
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“(c) must include a description of the matters or issues to be covered in complying with the direction and may specify further requirements to be complied with (and may specify the form and manner in which, and the period within which, obligations imposed by virtue of the direction are to be complied with);”. Full speech
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“critical harm” means death or serious injury; Full speech
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(1B) In the application of subsection (1A)(a) to the Police Service of Scotland, the Police Service of Northern Ireland or the Police Service of Northern Ireland Reserve, the reference to a collaboration agreement made under section 22A of the Police Act 1996 is to be read as a reference to any memorandum of understanding or other agreement made for the purpose mentioned in subsection (1A)(a).”- (Catherine Atkinson.) Full speech
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“(c) must include a description of the matters or issues to be covered in complying with the direction and may specify further requirements to be complied with (and may specify the form and manner in which, and the period within which, obligations imposed by virtue of the direction are to be complied with);”. Full speech
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(10A) Before the chair of an inquiry gives a compliance direction to an individual who works (or used to work) for a public authority (and so far as the direction relates to the individual’s work for the authority), the chair must consult the authority for the purpose of ensuring that compliance with the obligations imposed by virtue of the direction will assist the inquiry to meet its objectives.” Full speech
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“offence of misconduct in public office under the common law of England and Wales”. Full speech
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(b) the Minister requests the person to do so on the ground that the matters to which the inquiry or investigation relates are likely to be adequately investigated by an inquiry under the Inquiries Act 2005 that is being or is to be held. Full speech
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(4) A person is not in state detention at any time when they are detained in circumstances amounting to a deprivation of liberty by virtue of any of the following- Full speech
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See the explanatory statement for Amendment 136. Full speech
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(b) a person who works at a designated institution in England or Wales is to be treated as working for the governing body of the institution rather than for any other body; Full speech
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This amendment, together with Amendment 70, provides for clause 11 to extend and apply fully to all parts of the United Kingdom. Full speech
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“(2) A member of the Parole Board for Scotland. Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on Amendments 40 and 70. Full speech
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(c) a councillor designated by the authority for purposes relating to the payment of remuneration, in accordance with regulations made under section 11 of the Local Governance (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 9), as- Full speech
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(a) in relation to a London borough council, a district council or a county council in England, an elected mayor within the meaning of Part 1A of the Local Government Act 2000; Full speech
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See the explanatory statement for Amendment 61. Full speech
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“to whom the legal help may be provided”. Full speech
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This amendment defines the meaning of “head” for the purposes of the amendment made to clause 6 by Amendment 157. Full speech
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“(b) in Northern Ireland, may be brought only by or with the consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland.” Full speech
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See the explanatory statement to Amendment 172. Full speech
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““protected information” means information that- Full speech
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““inquest” means an inquest held under Part 1 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (and the reference to an “interested person” at such an inquest has the same meaning as in that Part of that Act);”. Full speech
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(2D) Where the head of a relevant public authority receives information by virtue of subsection (2C), they must (subject to subsection (2E)) provide that information to the inquiry or investigation- Full speech
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This amendment clarifies that the duty of candour and assistance applies to persons working for relevant public authorities (as defined by Amendment 168) in the same way as that duty applies to other public officials, subject to certain safeguards dealt with in the rest of clause 6 (as amended by Amendment 157). Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on Amendment 26. Full speech
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(b) a Provost Marshal of a service police force or the tri-service serious crime unit; Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on Amendment 142. Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on the extension of Part 3 of the Bill (misconduct in public office) to Scotland and Northern Ireland. Full speech
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(a) in a case where the information concerned relates to security or intelligence (within the meaning given by section 1(9) of the Official Secrets Act 1989), may be given only to a public official who works (or used to work) for an intelligence service; Full speech
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(2B) The recipient authority must inform the relevant public authority that it has relied on the exemption in subsection (2)(b) in relation to the information (and the relevant public authority must act in accordance with section 2(3)). Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on Amendment 157. Full speech
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(cc) a member of the Scottish Tribunals, within the meaning of the Tribunals (Scotland) Act 2014 (see section 13(3) of that Act); Full speech
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(2) A member of a Visiting Committee, appointed under section 152 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on Amendment 183. Full speech
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This amendment enables regulations to be made to extend legal aid to bereaved family members where a public authority is a participant in an inquiry in Scotland into a fatal accident or sudden death. Full speech
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(2C) The first condition is that it is necessary for consent to be withheld in the interests of national security or otherwise for the purposes of the proper exercise of the functions of the service. Full speech
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(a) a person who works at a school maintained by a local authority in England or Wales is to be treated as working for the proprietor of that school rather than for the authority; Full speech
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7 Nothing in this Part of this Schedule affects- Full speech
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(3) A prison monitoring co-ordinator appointed under section 7A of the Prisons (Scotland) Act 1989 or prison monitor appointed under section 7C of that Act. Full speech
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Amendment of the Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 1986 Full speech
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“(9) A compliance direction requiring the provision of protected information from an individual- Full speech
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This amendment provides that alternative provision Academies are included within the definition of a “school” in relation to England. Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on Amendment 185. Full speech
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“(b) to any other public official, or to a public authority other than a relevant public authority, where compliance with the obligation would result in the provision of protected information. Full speech
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“(b) references to a person who ‘works for’ a public authority are to be read in accordance with subsection (3) of section 23 as if paragraph (h) of that subsection were omitted.”- (Catherine Atkinson.) Full speech
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and an individual is not required to provide any protected information in response to a direction given in contravention of this subsection. Full speech
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(b) where the person is an individual, compliance with their obligations imposed by virtue of the direction would assist the inquiry to meet its objectives.” Full speech
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(a) the powers conferred on the Lord Chancellor by section 9(2) of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 in relation to Schedule 1 to that Act, or Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on Amendment 70 and also on the provision made by Amendment 142 about legal aid for bereaved family members in Scotland where a public authority is a participant in an inquiry into a death. Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on the extension of Part 3 of the Bill (misconduct in public office) to Scotland and Northern Ireland. Full speech
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This amendment ensures that the definition of “school” includes maintained nursery schools and pupil referral units. Full speech
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(ck) a senior coroner, area coroner or assistant coroner appointed under Schedule 3 to that Act.” Full speech
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7 (1) The Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 1986 is amended as follows. Full speech
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(a) at a place mentioned in any of paragraphs (a) to (c) of the definition of “school” in section 23(1), or Full speech
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“(4) The reference in sub-paragraph (3) to a person who works for a school includes a person who works- Full speech
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(b) is information relating to defence produced or held by Defence Intelligence, the disclosure of which would be damaging (and “defence” and “damaging” have the meanings given by section 2 of the Official Secrets Act 1989); Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on the extension of Part 3 of the Bill (misconduct in public office) to Scotland and Northern Ireland. Full speech
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(a) the person’s acts are relevant to the inquiry or the person otherwise has information that is relevant, and Full speech
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7C A person who is a member of or works for the Northern Ireland Policing Board.” Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on the extension of Part 3 of the Bill (misconduct in public office) to Scotland. Full speech
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(1B) A member of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service Board.” Full speech
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This amendment removes a previous obligation on the part of intelligence services in relation to records of information that is considered unnecessary as a result of other amendments being made. Full speech
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(b) in relation to a county borough council or a county council in Wales, an elected mayor within the meaning of Part 2 of the Local Government Act 2000.” Full speech
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(a) references to a person who works for a relevant public authority include a person who used to work for such an authority; Full speech
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This amendment adds the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales to the list of holders of public office for the purposes of Part 3 of the Bill. Full speech
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This amendments clarifies that a jury must be directed to have regard to certain matters when considering whether an act is seriously improper for the purposes of the offence under clause 12. Full speech
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(b) in any other case, may be given only to a public official who works (or used to work) for a relevant public authority, Full speech
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“under the common law of England and Wales”.- (Catherine Atkinson.) Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on the extension of Part 3 of the Bill (misconduct in public office) to Scotland and Northern Ireland. Full speech
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(a) proceedings for the offence may be taken at any place in the United Kingdom, and Full speech
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(b) the reference (in the definition of “head”) to the relevant senior officer of the metropolitan police force is to the officer of that force, of the rank of a Commander or above, with overall responsibility for the conduct of the arrangements made under that collaboration agreement. Full speech
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(b) the recipient authority would, but for the application of subsection (2)(b), be required to give a notification under section 2(3) that would result in the provision of that information. Full speech
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(a) a chief officer of police, within the meaning given by section 101(1) of the Police Act 1996; Full speech
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and an individual is not required to provide any protected information in response to a direction given in contravention of this subsection. Full speech
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This amendment (together with Amendment 180) clarifies that the duty to give a compliance direction to an individual applies only if the chair of the inquiry considers that compliance with the direction will help the inquiry to meet its objectives. Full speech
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“(3) Where an offence under section 12 or 13 is committed outside the United Kingdom- Full speech
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“(aa) on summary conviction in Scotland, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum (or both); Full speech
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(b) they cease to have effect at the end of the period of 40 days beginning with the day on which the Welsh statutory instrument containing them is made unless, during that period, they are confirmed by a resolution of Senedd Cymru.” Full speech
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This amendment applies section 17(3) of the Inquiries Act 2005 (duty on chair to act with fairness and avoid unnecessary cost) to local authority inquiries to which the duty of candour and assistance applies. Full speech
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“(11A) This sub-paragraph applies if the local authority is a local authority in Scotland and the individual is, in relation to the authority- Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on Amendment 189. Full speech
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(a) sections 4A(3) or (5) or 4B of the Mental Capacity Act 2005; Full speech
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“grant-aided school” has the meaning given by Article 2(2) of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 (S.I. 1986/594 (N.I. 3)); Full speech
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(b) works for a court or tribunal in which legal proceedings may be brought in relation to the exercise of the judicial functions of that court or tribunal.” Full speech
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“(3) A person appointed under section 79 of the Harbours, Docks and Piers Clauses Act 1847. Full speech
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(a) a Minister of the Crown, a government department, the Scottish Ministers, the Welsh Ministers or a Northern Ireland devolved authority, or Full speech
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(2E) The duty imposed by subsection (2D) on the head of a relevant public authority to provide information does not apply if, or to the extent that, either of the following conditions is met before the head would otherwise be required to provide the information to the inquiry or investigation. Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on Amendment 181. Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on Amendments 40 and 70. Full speech
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(2E) Where the head of an intelligence service, the head of military intelligence service, the head of the National Crime Agency, the head of Counter Terrorism Policing UK, or the head of one of the armed forces withholds consent under subsection (2A), the head must notify the person leading the inquiry or investigation of that fact.”- (Nick Timothy.) Full speech
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(b) where the person is an individual, compliance with their obligations imposed by virtue of the direction would assist the inquiry to meet its objectives.” Full speech
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“(aa) the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales;”. Full speech
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This amendment provides for penalties for offences under clause 11 committed in Scotland or Northern Ireland, in consequence of amendments 40 and 70. Full speech
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(c) the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland; Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on Amendment 123. Full speech
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“(3) Any other person (other than a person employed in the civil service of the State) who- Full speech
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This amendment is consequential on the extension of Part 3 of the Bill (misconduct in public office) to Northern Ireland. Full speech