The Government does not appear to be introducing a statutory duty of candour on all public officials. Ian Byrne, Survivor, MP & Chair of the public accountability appg

“Bishop James Jones called for a duty of candour on police officers but the Government’s Criminal Justice Bill mentions Duty of Candour at clause 73, only in context of a code of conduct. This is an insult to all those who have been affected by state cover ups and to the memory of the 97. It does not establish or define the duty in law. It provides no mechanism for compliance or enforcement.

“And, crucially, the Government does not appear to be introducing a statutory duty of candour on all public officials as is being demanded by Hillsborough Law Now campaigners and is supported by my party.

Without a legal duty of candour on all public servants, hardwired into our justice system we will see continued injustices from public officials who lie on the stand, acting with impunity, and no consequences. I had hoped you would push back against the powerful vested interests who do not want to see this accountability but sadly they have won once again.”