The government is facing mounting criticism over its proposed victims' legislation, with campaigners and opposition MPs warning that the long-awaited Hillsborough Law is being dangerously diluted.
Ministers have been accused of backtracking on key promises made to the families of the 97 Liverpool fans who lost their lives in the 1989 disaster. The central pillar of the proposed law - a statutory 'duty of candour' requiring public officials and authorities to come forward with all relevant information - appears to have been significantly weakened in the current draft.
Broken Promises to Bereaved Families
Labour's Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region and a longstanding campaigner for justice, expressed his profound disappointment. "This is not what was promised to the Hillsborough families," he stated. "We were assured of robust legislation that would prevent other families from enduring the same cover-ups and obstructions we faced for decades."
The proposed duty of candour was meant to ensure that public authorities, including police forces and government bodies, would be legally compelled to proactively disclose all relevant information during inquiries and investigations. Campaigners argue the current wording creates loopholes that could allow institutions to continue hiding behind bureaucracy.
Cross-Party Support for Stronger Legislation
There is significant cross-party backing for the original Hillsborough Law proposals, with many Conservative MPs joining Labour colleagues in calling for stronger measures. The former Bishop of Liverpool, the Rt Rev James Jones, who authored the critical report 'The Patronising Disposition of Unaccountable Power', has repeatedly called for the full implementation of his recommendations.
One senior Conservative backbencher, who wished to remain anonymous, told us: "This is about basic decency and learning from past mistakes. We owe it to the Hillsborough families to get this right, not create another half-measure that fails to deliver real change."
What's Missing From the Current Bill?
Campaigners have identified several key areas where the legislation falls short:
- Weakened duty of candour: The proposed duty lacks the teeth needed to force cultural change in public institutions
- Limited scope: Key public bodies may be exempt from the full requirements
- Inadequate enforcement: Without proper sanctions, the duty becomes merely symbolic
- Failure to address power imbalance: Bereaved families still face David vs Goliath battles against well-funded public authorities
The Home Office has defended its approach, stating that the bill represents "a significant step forward" in supporting victims. However, with growing pressure from across the political spectrum, ministers may face a tough battle to get the legislation through Parliament in its current form.
As one Hillsborough family member put it: "We were promised that our suffering would lead to change that would protect others. If this watered-down version passes, that promise will have been broken."
