A transformative new law, born from the 35-year fight for justice by the families of the Hillsborough victims, is set to be introduced to Parliament. The Public Authority (Accountability) Bill, more commonly known as the 'Hillsborough Law', seeks to fundamentally change how public bodies behave during official inquiries and inquests.
The proposed legislation would impose a legally enforceable 'duty of candour' on all public servants and officials. This means they would be compelled to proactively tell the truth and disclose all relevant information during processes like inquests and public inquiries. The aim is to prevent the decades-long cover-ups and institutional defensiveness that characterised the aftermath of the 1989 football stadium disaster.
A Legacy For The 97
The bill is the direct result of the tireless campaigning by the families of the 97 Liverpool fans who were unlawfully killed at the FA Cup semi-final. Their fight exposed a systemic campaign of misinformation by South Yorkshire Police and a prolonged struggle against powerful institutions that closed ranks.
"This law is about ensuring that no other family has to go through what we did," said a representative from the Hillsborough Families Support Group. "It's about creating a culture of honesty, not one of hiding behind authority."
What Would The Law Change?
The key components of the Hillsborough Law include:
- A statutory duty of candour: Placing a legal obligation on public authorities and officials to cooperate openly and honestly with official investigations and inquiries.
- Parity of legal funding: Providing families with equal public funding for legal representation at inquests, putting them on a level playing field with publicly funded bodies like the police.
- Stronger powers for prosecutors: Making it easier to hold individuals and bodies accountable for failing to meet their duty of candour.
Proponents argue that this law would create a profound cultural shift within public bodies, moving from a default position of secrecy to one of transparency and accountability.
A Long-Awaited Step Towards Justice
The introduction of this bill marks a significant milestone for the families and survivors. While it cannot undo the past, it is seen as a crucial step in ensuring that the lessons from the Hillsborough tragedy are enshrined in law, protecting citizens and empowering families in the future.
The campaign for its passage is expected to receive significant cross-party and public support, as it embodies a universal principle: that truth and accountability should be at the heart of public service in the UK.
