Starmer makes ‘Hillsborough Law’ pledge

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has pledged that a ‘Hillsborough Law’ will be introduced in Parliament before the next anniversary of the 1989 stadium disaster in Sheffield which cost the lives of 97 Liverpool fans.

Starmer, speaking at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool, said he will honour a commitment made during a speech in the city two years ago. The law is set to enact legislation forcing public bodies to co-operate with investigations into major disasters through a legal duty of candour, or potentially face criminal sanctions.

The Hillsborough disaster occurred at the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest on April 15, 1989. Families and campaigners have called for a Hillsborough Law to support victims of future disasters.

Starmer said yesterday (Tuesday) that a “law for Liverpool, a law for the 97 that people shouldn’t have had to fight so hard to get will be delivered” before the 36^th anniversary.

Starmer went on to say that the new law would also be for the victims of other public scandals, such as the Post Office Horizon affair, infected blood, Windrush, Grenfell Tower and “all the countless injustices over the years suffered by working people at the hands of those who were supposed to serve them”.

He continued: “Truth and justice concealed behind closed ranks of the state, and conference, this is the meaning of clause one, because I can confirm that the duty of candour will apply to public authorities and public servants. The Bill will include criminal sanctions and the Hillsborough law will be introduced to Parliament before the next anniversary in April.”

The BBC said the draft new law will see Government bring forward recommendations made by Bishop James Jones in his 2017 report which assessed the experiences of the Hillsborough families in the years following the disaster.

An independent public advocate (IPA) will be appointed by next summer and would be sent to the scene of any future public disaster, informing victims about sources of support, legal advice and services available to them.

This role is also designed to help victims understand actions taken by public authorities in relation to the incident, including how to cope with inquiries, inquests and other formal processes. The IPA would also communicate with public authorities on behalf of victims.

Earlier this month, the Government also declared that new legislation requiring UK venues to step up protection against terrorism had been introduced to Parliament, more than seven years on from the attack at the then Manchester Arena which claimed the lives of 22 people.

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill is also known as ‘Martyn’s Law’ in tribute to Martyn Hett, who was one of the victims of the attack following an Ariana Grande concert. It will make sure venues across the UK must consider the security of the public, and take steps to protect them from harm.