The Hillsborough Law, officially the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, is poised to clear its remaining stages in the Commons this week, with amendments extending a legally enforceable duty of candour to public officials and authorities during investigations.

Described as an overwhelming win to prevent future cover-ups like the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, where 97 Liverpool fans died, the breakthrough emphasizes truth-telling and transparency.

Named after the Hillsborough tragedy, the bill seeks to compel public authorities to disclose decisions and actions leading up to investigations and inquiries.

Government officials had doubted a summer return, but amendments now aim to cover intelligence service personnel under the duty of candour without compromising national security.

There had been initial resistance from security services over transparency, yet the government asserts the amendments will include intelligence staff without risking security.

Support for the measure comes from key figures, including Sir Keir Starmer, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, and potential successor Andy Burnham, highlighting a shift toward accountability.

The development is hailed as a victory for transparency and accountability, with critics noting that lies and cover-ups have cost the country.

The breakthrough report is attributed to the Mirror, with ongoing political negotiations surrounding the bill referenced.

Months of behind-the-scenes talks resolved whether intelligence services should be subject to the duty of candour, enabling renewed progress.

Margaret Aspinall, chair of the Hillsborough Family Support Group, welcomed the development as a lasting legacy and urged truth-telling for all public figures, regardless of status.

Families of the 97 victims welcomed the breakthrough as a crucial step toward preventing miscarriages of justice and ensuring transparency.

If approved in the Commons, the bill will proceed to the House of Lords for further consideration on its legislative path.