Recommendation IBI-5c: Ministerial Duty of Candour

These recommendations are accepted in principle and the Prime Minister has committed to bringing forward legislation on a duty of candour for public servants. The actions of Civil Servants and Ministers uncovered within the report are extremely concerning and do not reflect the values we expect those who serve the public to uphold. The Government accepts that in light of the facts uncovered by the IBI and other public inquiries that a statutory duty of candour should be introduced. The Prime Minister has committed to legislation on a Duty of Candour being delivered by this Government. He confirmed that the duty will apply to public authorities and public servants and will include criminal sanctions. The Government is consulting widely on this issue, and is working to draft the best version of a Hillsborough Law ahead of its introduction to Parliament. The Bill will address the unacceptable defensive culture prevalent across too much of the public sector - highlighted by recent reports such as Bishop James Jones’s report into the experiences of the Hillsborough families and that of this Inquiry. The Bill is part of our wider efforts to create a politics of public service. The Prime Minister issued a Ministerial Code on 6 November which emphasised that ministerial office requires openness and candour, and that ministers should both demand and welcome candid advice.