In a powerful commitment to the families of the Hillsborough disaster, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has vowed to enact a transformative 'Hillsborough Law' should his party win the next general election. This landmark legislation seeks to fundamentally rebalance the justice system, placing the needs of victims and their loved ones at its core after decades of what he describes as a 'painful injustice'.
The proposed law would establish a statutory 'duty of candour' on all public servants and authorities, legally compelling them to come forward transparently with the truth during official investigations and inquiries. This measure is a direct response to the long, agonising battles faced by the Hillsborough families, who were forced to fight through a system often perceived as closed and obstructive.
A New Chapter for Victims' Rights
Speaking with conviction, Starmer outlined how the new law would revolutionise the experience for those caught in tragedy. "For too long, the system has been weighted against them," he stated, emphasising that the reform would ensure public bodies actively assist in the search for truth, rather than hiding behind a wall of secrecy.
The core components of the Hillsborough Law include:
- A legal obligation for public officials to cooperate openly with investigations.
- Parity of legal funding for families, putting them on an equal footing with well-funded public bodies.
- Overhauling the processes for public inquiries and inquests to make them more transparent and less adversarial.
Ending a 35-Year Battle for Truth
The pledge marks a significant moment in the 35-year campaign for justice by the families of the 97 Liverpool fans who were tragically killed in the 1989 Hillsborough stadium crush. Their fight has been characterised by years of obfuscation, smears, and institutional denial from various authorities.
This proposed law is not just about one tragedy; it's about creating a legacy that prevents other families from enduring similar pain and struggle when seeking answers from the state. It promises to transform Britain's legal landscape, ensuring transparency and accountability become mandatory, not optional.
