Keir Starmer remains fully committed to a “Hillsborough law” – despite missing his pledge to introduce it before the anniversary of the 1989 tragedy today.
Downing Street insisted on Monday more time was needed to create the “best version” of the legislation aimed at preventing future state cover-ups. In his first Labour conference speech as PM in Liverpool last year, Mr Starmer said it would be introduced to Parliament “before the next anniversary” of the Hillsborough disaster on April 15, 2025.
He said it would be a “law for Liverpool, a law for the 97 that people shouldn’t have had to fight so hard to get will be delivered”. Campaigners have long been calling for new legislation to prevent the experiences of families of the 97 Liverpool fans who were killed from happening again. They also want help for victims of other scandals to get justice.
The “Hillsborough law” promised a legal duty of candour on public bodies, with the potential for criminal sanctions for officials or organisations which mislead or obstruct investigations.
Speaking on Monday, the PM’s official spokesman said: “The Hillsborough disaster will always remain one of the greatest stains on the history of this country. Ahead of the 36th anniversary, we pay tribute to those who lost their lives and to the families and campaigners who have shown endless determination to get justice.
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“Nothing can ever undo the years of injustice they suffered, but we are determined to enshrine their profound legacy as we work to introduce a Hillsborough law that will deliver the justice they deserve.”
Pressed on a timetable, they added: “Having consulted with groups over recent weeks and months, we believe more time is needed to draft the best version of a Hillsborough law. But we remain fully committed to bringing this legislation at pace, and we’ll obviously continue to work with them in the weeks ahead and provide an update when we’ve got it.”
Last month The Mirror reported a planned meeting between Mr Starmer and Hillsborough families had been cancelled amid fears the legislation had been watered down. Senior ministers also wrote to families admitting the bill would not be ready in time for the 36th anniversary of the tragedy when 97 fans were killed by a crush at an FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield.
Labour MP for Liverpool West Derby, Ian Byrne, told The Mirror: “It’s a huge disappointment that we never got the Hillsborough Law legislation as we were promised before the 36th anniversary. But it’s now an absolute priority that the government listen to why the families and campaigners rejected the first draft.”
He added: “The government should not insult us with a watered down version which will not do what is needed, which is to change the culture of cover ups which pervades the institutions of the state. Anything less will be a continuation of the betrayal to all those affected.”
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