Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy has made a powerful commitment to introduce a Hillsborough Law in Labour's first King's Speech, declaring it essential to end the "painful injustice" faced by victims and their families.
The proposed legislation would establish a legal duty of candour on public authorities and officials, ensuring complete transparency during inquiries and legal processes. This landmark law aims to prevent the decades-long cover-ups and obstructions that characterised the Hillsborough disaster aftermath.
A Legacy of Struggle for Truth
Lammy's emotional pledge comes after years of campaigning by Hillsborough families who fought for over three decades to uncover the truth about the 1989 disaster that claimed 97 lives. The Shadow Minister described how these families were forced to "battle the system" while grieving their loved ones.
"The Hillsborough Law is about making sure no family ever has to go through what the Hillsborough families went through," Lammy stated. "For too long, those in power have been able to hide behind walls of silence and secrecy."
What the Law Would Change
- Mandatory duty of candour for all public servants
- Parity of funding between public bodies and victims at inquiries
- Proper legal representation for bereaved families
- Stronger powers for investigations into public disasters
The proposed legislation has gained cross-party support, with Lammy noting that some Conservative MPs privately back the measures despite the government's reluctance to include it in their own legislative agenda.
Honouring the 97
Lammy made his commitment during an emotional appearance on BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, where he reflected on the recent Hillsborough anniversary and the ongoing fight for justice. He emphasised that the law would serve as a lasting tribute to those who lost their lives and the families who never gave up seeking truth.
"This is about creating a legacy where truth and justice become the default, not something families have to fight for decades to achieve," Lammy told viewers.
With Labour leading significantly in opinion polls, the Hillsborough Law could become reality within the first year of a new government, fundamentally changing how Britain handles public disasters and treats victims in their search for answers.
