In a landmark announcement that could transform how public authorities treat victims of major tragedies, Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to enact the long-awaited Hillsborough Law within his first 100 days as Prime Minister.
A Promise Decades in the Making
The Labour leader made the emotional commitment during a powerful meeting with families who have fought for justice since the 1989 disaster that claimed 97 lives. The proposed legislation would establish a legal duty of candour on all public authorities and officials, forcing complete transparency during investigations and inquiries.
What the Hillsborough Law Would Achieve
- Create a legal obligation for public authorities to tell the truth proactively
- Establish parity of funding between public bodies and bereaved families
- Provide proper recognition for victims' families in inquests and inquiries
- Prevent the decades-long cover-ups that characterised the Hillsborough case
Sir Keir, speaking with genuine conviction, told families: "This is about making sure that no other families have to go through what you have been through." His words resonated deeply with campaigners who have faced institutional obstruction for over three decades.
Personal Connection to the Cause
The Labour leader's commitment carries particular weight given his professional history. As former Director of Public Prosecutions, Starmer witnessed firsthand how the justice system can fail ordinary people seeking answers about their loved ones' deaths.
Margaret Aspinall, whose 18-year-old son James died in the disaster and who chairs the Hillsborough Family Support Group, expressed cautious optimism about the pledge. "We've heard promises before," she noted, "but this feels different."
Broader Implications for Justice
Beyond the specific Hillsborough context, this legislation represents a fundamental shift in how the state interacts with citizens during times of tragedy. The proposed law would:
- Create a cultural change within public institutions
- Ensure proper accountability from the outset of any investigation
- Provide meaningful support for bereaved families navigating complex legal processes
With the Labour Party maintaining significant leads in opinion polls, this commitment positions Starmer as a leader willing to tackle institutional resistance head-on. The first 100 days of a potential Starmer government could see one of the most significant reforms to public accountability in modern British history.
