In a major policy announcement, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has vowed to enact a transformative 'Hillsborough Law' if his party wins the next general election. This landmark legislation is designed to fundamentally rebalance the UK's justice system, shifting power towards victims and their families after major tragedies.
The proposed law directly addresses the decades-long struggle for justice endured by the families of the 97 Liverpool fans who lost their lives in the 1989 Hillsborough disaster. It aims to prevent public bodies from closing ranks and evading accountability, a pattern starkly evident in the Hillsborough case.
The Core Pillars of the Proposed Law
The legislation is built on two key principles intended to create a fairer fight for bereaved families:
- A Statutory Duty of Candour: This would legally compel public officials, including police officers and civil servants, to proactively tell the truth and cooperate fully with official investigations and inquiries. Breaches could result in serious consequences, including criminal charges.
- Parity of Funding: Families would receive full public funding for legal representation at inquests, putting them on an equal financial footing with the well-resourced public bodies they are often up against.
A Personal Commitment from Starmer
The pledge carries significant personal weight for Sir Keir. As Director of Public Prosecutions, he oversaw the original Hillsborough investigations. He has spoken of the immense frustration faced by the families and his desire to ensure no one else must endure a similar battle. The announcement was strategically made from the offices of the Hillsborough Law Now charity, surrounded by family campaigners.
This commitment positions Labour as the party of victims' rights and institutional accountability, drawing a clear dividing line with the current government. It represents one of the most significant proposed reforms to the legal system in recent years, with implications for how public disasters are handled in the future.
