Hillsborough Law Faces Further Delay, Sparking Outrage from Families
The implementation of the Hillsborough Law, aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability from public bodies, is facing further delays, prompting accusations of an “insult” from families of victims of the 1989 Hillsborough disaster and other tragedies. The Labour government, under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, had promised to enact the legislation, but it will not be passed by the end of the current parliamentary session in May.
What is the Hillsborough Law?
The Hillsborough Law seeks to impose a “duty of candour” on the police and public authorities, legally obligating them to act with honesty and integrity during inquiries into disasters and state injustices. As the BBC reports, this means a legal obligation to co-operate with and tell the truth to inquiries.
Why the Delay?
While Labour has pledged support for the law for nearly a decade, disagreements over its scope, particularly concerning the involvement of security services like MI5 and MI6, have stalled its progress. Families insist the duty of candour must apply fully to all public bodies, including the security services. However, the government has sought carve-outs, citing national security concerns. According to The Guardian, officials are working on a new amendment to address these concerns, aiming to apply the duty of candour to individuals within the security services.
Families Express Disappointment
Families affected by the Hillsborough disaster, the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, the Post Office scandal, and the Windrush scandal have voiced their frustration with the delays. Margaret Aspinall, whose son James died in the Hillsborough disaster, publicly expressed her “very disappointed” feelings despite having introduced Starmer at the Labour party conference. The Guardian reports that a letter signed by these families accused the government of an “insult” and undermined their trust.
Government Response
A No 10 spokesperson stated that the Prime Minister’s priority remains national security, but reaffirmed the government’s commitment to passing the bill. They emphasized the need to “get it right” and ensure the legislation is “as strong as possible” while respecting national security concerns. The Guardian notes that government sources hope to reach an agreement with the families during the next parliamentary session, with potential passage in the autumn.
Looking Ahead
Despite the current impasse, ministers remain committed to carrying the bill over to the next parliamentary session. Representatives from the Hillsborough Law campaign’s legal team are scheduled to meet with parliamentarians next week to attempt to resolve the legal issues and garner further support. The BBC reports that Labour MPs are now pressing for a specific timetable for the law’s implementation.