Keir Starmer’s administration will continue to progress with the overdue Hillsborough legislation during the upcoming parliamentary session. This decision coincides with the government’s plans to suspend Parliament next week in anticipation of May’s King Speech, outlining the legislative agenda for the upcoming year.
Commons leader Sir Alan Campbell informed MPs on Thursday that the Hillsborough law would undergo a carry-over motion on Monday, ensuring the Bill’s continuity into the next session to prevent it from lapsing. The legislation, officially known as the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, aims to establish a “duty of candour” for public officials to act honestly, with potential criminal consequences for non-compliance. The Bill was withdrawn from the Commons in January due to disagreements over an amendment related to its application to security services, including MI5.
Recent reports indicated progress in negotiations with Hillsborough families, although any government amendments are yet to be revealed. Labour MP Ian Byrne, who was present at Hillsborough during the tragic incident involving 97 Liverpool football fans, welcomed the commitment but urged the Government to expedite the process and eliminate any delays.
During a session in the Commons, Mr. Byrne emphasized the importance of the Government delivering the law in its entirety without exemptions for intelligence and security services, as previously pledged. In response, Sir Alan acknowledged Mr. Byrne’s personal connection to Hillsborough and expressed satisfaction with the progress made with the carry-over motion.
Hillsborough campaigner Margaret Aspinall recently urged Mr. Starmer to uphold his commitment and enact a law to prevent future state cover-ups promptly. Aspinall, who lost her son James in the tragedy, emphasized the urgency of fulfilling the promise made by the Prime Minister to implement the Hillsborough Law without delay.
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