PM Sir Keir Starmer was blamed for causing “profound distress” to victims’ families today after the Commons voted for the Hillsborough law to be carried over to the next parliamentary session.

Ministerial concerns over the inclusion of intelligence agencies in the proposed duty of candour have seen the Labour leader miss his promise to deliver the law by the 36th anniversary of the disaster on April 15 last year.

Labour MP Ian Byrne slammed the government for having “refused to push past the vested interests that were always going to oppose transparency and accountability … political courage and determination are essential when seeking to change a culture of cover-ups that has damaged our country and undermined trust in our institutions.”

Mr Byrne was at Hillsborough when 97 Liverpool football fans were killed.

The MP for Liverpool West Derby added that ministerial opposition to the legislation due to pressure from the security services and the Ministry of Defence showed “precisely why leadership is required, because minister, the buck stops with the Prime Minister to push through disagreements and ensure this is delivered in its entirety.”

Labour MP for Knowsley Anneliese Midgley said: “We were promised inclusion within the process, and we would like a guarantee that the leaks to the media stop, the delays stop, and everyone involved will refocus and remember that this is a legacy for 97 innocent victims as well as future generations.”

Justice Minister Alex Davies-Jones said the government remains “resolutely committed to delivering this vital piece of legislation” and pledged to bring it back to the chamber “as soon as possible.”