Keir Starmer faces fresh humiliation after plunging his government into yet another u-turn - the  latest in a long line of at least 14, since Labour came into power in July 2024.  This time, the government has been forced to back down following a furious outcry by Labour MPs and campaigners over controversial elements of the so-called Hillsborough Law.

The latest about-turn involves proposed legislation which creates a legal obligation for public authorities to co-operate with inquiries. It's meant to make sure familes of those who die in horrific circumstances, such as the 97 who died in the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, have a chance of finding out the truth. But a government amendment would have allowed intelligence officers to refuse to co-operate with investigations, unless the head of their service told them to.

Bereaved families say MI5 and MI6 officers should be fully subject to the proposed law and point to a series of cases where MI5 has provided false information. So now, the Government has promised to think again - and even delayed discussions of the new law, formally known as the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, until it can sort the mess out.

The delay comes even though the planned new law was promised in Labour's general election manifesto.

Sir Keir said on Monday that he wants to “get the balance right” on the proposed Hillsborough Law amid the concerns it could provide a get-out clause for spies.

Speaking at a press conference in Downing Street, the Prime Minister said it was important to “get the balance right”.

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

“In relation to the duty of candour, we’ve been clear that that matters.

“What we’re now trying to do is just make sure we get the balance right when it comes to the application of any principle to the security and intelligence agencies.

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

The government had originally pulled just the amendment from a vote, due to be held on Monday, before it scrapped the entire third reading of the bill - when a draft law is tidied up before going to the Lords.