On the anniversary of the Hillsborough tragedy that resulted in the loss of 97 lives, Keir Starmer was approached by an MP who had survived the incident. The MP urged the Prime Minister to enact a comprehensive Hillsborough Law to prevent state cover-ups, emphasizing the importance of not excluding spies from the legislation.
Ian Byrne, the Liverpool West Derby MP who was present at Hillsborough Stadium during the fatal crush in 1989, called on the Prime Minister to take action. He highlighted the need for a law that honors the memory of the victims and ensures accountability for state injustices.
In a poignant moment during PMQs, Mr. Byrne reminded the Prime Minister of the 97 innocent lives lost at Hillsborough and stressed the urgency of delivering a robust Hillsborough Law. He emphasized the responsibility of the government to fulfill its promise and provide justice for the victims and their families.
Progress on the Hillsborough Law, officially known as the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, has been delayed due to disagreements over the inclusion of security services. However, recent reports suggest that the Prime Minister is considering removing the blanket exception for security services, raising hopes for a breakthrough.
The introduction of the Bill was initially pledged by Keir Starmer in 2022 and is supported by a coalition of survivors and families affected by various tragedies, including the Manchester Arena bombing, Grenfell fire, and other scandals. The Prime Minister’s spokesperson reassured that significant progress has been made in collaboration with families and intelligence agencies to craft a bill that upholds both justice and national security.
Despite the challenges, there is optimism for the enactment of the Hillsborough Law, with efforts to address concerns and move closer to delivering long-overdue accountability for the victims and their loved ones.