The long-awaited Hillsborough Law will require public officials to tell the truth during investigations into major disasters. Campaigners welcomed the announcement, relieved the legislation would not be weakened.
The Public Office (Accountability) Bill will make it mandatory for public bodies to cooperate with investigations. Otherwise, they may face criminal penalties. It also provides legal support for those affected by state-related disasters.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who promised the law by the 36th anniversary of the 1989 disaster, called the moment “humbling.” He praised the families for their decades-long fight for justice and truth.
“Today is an important day. I’ve known these families for ten years, and it is humbling to see what they have achieved,” he said. He added that careful planning ensured the bill would protect thousands of future victims.
Margaret Aspinall, whose 18-year-old son James died at Hillsborough, expressed hope that the law would prevent others from suffering similarly. Charlotte Hennessy, who lost her father Jimmy, described the campaign as “tough.” She emphasized that the duty of candour was the biggest hurdle.
The new duty of candour requires public officials to act with honesty and integrity at all times. Breaches could result in criminal sanctions, filling gaps left by current laws that mainly cover criminal perjury.
The Hillsborough disaster occurred during the FA Cup semi-final in Sheffield on 15 April 1989, claiming 97 lives. The legislation also draws lessons from other major scandals. These include the Grenfell Tower fire, the Post Office Horizon case, and infected blood incidents.
Sir Keir said the law would shift the “balance of power in Britain,” ensuring the state can no longer hide from the public. He noted that while the law honors the 97 victims of Hillsborough, it will also protect other victims of state failures.
Legal expert Elkan Abrahamson described the bill’s introduction as a “momentous step,” while noting that parliamentary scrutiny is still required. He praised the persistence of campaigners, saying the Hillsborough Law will fundamentally change British justice. This marks a historic milestone in accountability and transparency for public officials.
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