Hillsborough Law creates criminal offense of misleading public punishable by up to 2 years in jail
Law applies to senior ministers and public officials but not backbench MPs
Over 30 MPs support amendment to extend law to all parliament members
Legislation follows decades-long campaign by Hillsborough families
📖 Full Retelling
Democracy campaigners in the UK have welcomed the Hillsborough Law, which will make it a criminal offense for prime ministers and cabinet ministers to deliberately mislead the public, with the legislation passing through Parliament in February 2026 following decades of advocacy by Hillsborough families seeking greater government accountability. The landmark measure introduces a standalone offense of 'misleading the public,' punishable by up to two years in jail, applying to heads of government departments, civil servants, and public officials including police and NHS staff if they intentionally mislead the public in a way that is 'seriously improper.' While the law represents a significant step toward political accountability, it notably excludes backbench MPs and peers, prompting over 30 MPs to support an amendment extending its remit to all members of parliament. Labour MPs Neil Duncan-Jordan and Luke Myer have been particularly vocal in their support for the amendment, arguing that no politician should be above the law as public trust in politicians reaches 'all-time low' levels. The legislation, officially known as the Public Office Accountability Bill, follows the 1989 Hillsborough disaster that claimed 97 lives and involved a cover-up of police failings, with families campaigning for decades to ensure greater transparency and accountability from public officials.
🏷️ Themes
Government accountability, Political transparency, Legal reform
Proposed British legislation for a duty of candour
The Hillsborough Law, known officially as the Public Office (Accountability) Bill is a proposed piece of legislation which would impose a duty on public authorities and officials to act with candour, transparency and frankness and establish offences to prosecute those who mislead the public or engag...
The Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is the supreme legislative body of the United Kingdom, and may also legislate for the Crown Dependencies and the British Overseas Territories. Since 1999, varying degrees of powers have been devolved to the national parliamen...
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Deep Analysis
Why It Matters
The new law makes it a criminal offence for senior ministers to deliberately mislead the public, a first step toward greater political accountability. It signals a shift in how the UK treats political honesty and could restore public trust in government.
Context & Background
Hillsborough disaster cover‑up led to long‑standing demand for accountability
The Public Office Accountability Bill introduces a standalone offence of misleading the public
MPs and peers are currently exempt, sparking debate over fairness and free speech
What Happens Next
The bill will return to the Commons for its report stage, where amendments to extend the offence to all MPs and peers may be debated. If passed, the law would require proof of harm before ministers could be prosecuted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will be prosecuted under the new offence?
Senior ministers, heads of government departments, civil servants and public officials who deliberately mislead the public in a seriously improper way.
Will MPs and peers be exempt?
Currently they are exempt, but there is a campaign to extend the offence to all members of Parliament and the House of Lords.
What evidence is needed to bring a case?
The prosecution must prove that the misleading statement caused or could cause serious harm, as required by the new clause.
Will parliamentary speeches be covered?
No, statements made in Parliament are protected by privilege and are not subject to the offence.
Original Source
Hillsborough Law will 'criminalise lying' by senior ministers, say campaigners It's via a new standalone offence - which will apply to the prime minister - of "misleading the public", punishable by up to two years in jail. Faye Brown Political reporter @fayebrownSky Friday 20 February 2026 02:30, UK Why you can trust Sky News Hillsborough Law will make it a criminal offence for prime ministers and cabinet ministers to deliberately mislead the public – but not backbench MPs. Democracy campaigners say a "historic" measure within the flagship legislation has gone under the radar, which is a move to "criminalise lying" by senior politicians. That is through a new standalone offence of "misleading the public", punishable by up to two years in jail. This will apply to heads of government departments, civil servants and public officials such as police and NHS staff, if they intentionally mislead the public in a way that is "seriously improper". MPs and peers are currently exempt - but dozens of backbenchers argue that should not be the case. Labour MP Neil Duncan-Jordan told Sky News: "MPs shouldn't be above the law. Politicians have such a low standing with the public and that's got to change." Mr Duncan-Jordan is one of over 30 MPs who have backed an amendment by Labour MP Luke Myer, calling for the remit to be extended to all members of both houses of parliament. Mr Myer is understood to have held discussions with ministers and backbench colleagues to ramp up support for his plan ahead of the bill returning to the Commons for its report stage. 'No-brainer' One Labour source described it as "turkeys voting for Christmas", but independent MP Rosie Duffield, who resigned from the party in 2024 , said backing the amendment should be a "no-brainer". The Canterbury MP said trust is at an "all-time low" and the new offence could stop ministers lying or withholding information about connections to certain people or companies. She said that level of transparency should also appl...
