Prime Minister Keir Starmer has reaffirmed his commitment to introducing the Hillsborough Law duty of candour, ensuring public officials must tell the truth during major inquiries. The law will include criminal penalties for those who withhold information, addressing long-standing demands from victims’ families.
Campaigners recently raised concerns that the government might weaken the bill. However, Starmer assured MPs he remains “fully committed” to the original vision. The Hillsborough Law duty of candouraims to prevent cover-ups like those seen after the 1989 disaster, where 97 Liverpool fans died.
Liverpool West Derby MP Ian Byrne, a survivor of the tragedy, urged Starmer to act swiftly. “This law can’t undo the past, but it can stop future injustices,” he said. Byrne warned against delays, stressing the need to “honour the 97 with real change.”
In 2016, an inquest ruled the victims were unlawfully killed, clearing fans of blame after decades of false narratives. The proposed law, first drafted in 2017, would mandate transparency and provide legal aid for affected families.
During PMQs, Liverpool Riverside MP Kim Johnson accused ministers of diluting the bill. She reminded Starmer of his 2022 pledge to prioritize the law. Starmer responded by emphasizing his decade-long involvement in the issue, dating back to his time as a prosecutor.
“We will bring this forward but we must get it right,” he said. The Hillsborough Law duty of candour is expected to face scrutiny in Parliament, with advocates pushing for swift passage.
Critics argue the law should extend beyond disasters, applying to all public sector dealings. Supporters say it’s a crucial step toward restoring trust in institutions. Starmer’s government now faces pressure to deliver without compromise.
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