Hillsborough Law Passes as Burnham Returns to Parliament
The long-delayed Hillsborough law, formally the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, was approved by MPs on Monday night, marking a symbolic handover of power from outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer to his successor, Andy Burnham. The legislation establishes a legal duty of candour for public officials and aims to prevent institutional cover-ups, a direct response to the 1989 Hillsborough disaster that claimed 96 lives.
Burnham, who returned to parliament as MP for Makerfield after a by-election victory, gave his first speech during the debate. He told Starmer: "This truly is your legacy." The moment was deeply symbolic for Burnham, who first introduced a private member's bill on the issue in 2017 before it was abandoned when Theresa May called a general election. He stepped down as an MP later that year but has now returned as prime minister-in-waiting.
A Full-Circle Moment for Burnham
Burnham has described the law as a "full-circle" moment. In 2009, as culture secretary, he addressed furious Liverpool fans at Anfield's Kop on the 20th anniversary of the disaster. They chanted "Justice for the 96" for two minutes before he could speak, reflecting anger that no public official had been convicted over the tragedy. The new law, Burnham said, "will change the way this country thinks and works about justice" and represents "a rewiring of the state and a passing of power from the authorities to the hands of ordinary people."
Starmer's Final Push for Legacy
Since Burnham's by-election victory, Starmer has been energised to secure his legacy. He announced a social media ban for under-16s and delivered a long-delayed defence investment plan, though it leaves Burnham the challenge of finding an extra £5bn a year to fund it. Internationally, Starmer joined the EU's €90bn (£78bn) support package for Ukraine, smoothed tensions with Donald Trump at the Nato summit in Ankara, and signed a trade deal with Switzerland. He also potentially plans to attend the World Cup final if England qualifies.
However, the transition of power has been evident elsewhere. The EU delayed its second "reset" summit with the UK after it became clear a new prime minister would take over. Burnham has also made his presence felt on immigration, telling the Guardian during his campaign that Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood was right to grip the issue but that a balance with genuine refugees was needed.
Burnham's Early Moves on Immigration
Ten days after returning to parliament, Burnham said he would ask the home and foreign secretaries to "review all possible options" to deport the ringleader of a notorious Rochdale grooming gang. An amendment to the immigration bill was added to enable this. Burnham voted for the rest of the legislation, with his team indicating he backs Mahmood's changes to indefinite leave to remain and refugee settlement.
The Hillsborough law, however, remains the most potent symbol of the power transfer. As Starmer serves out his final days, Burnham will become Labour leader on Friday and prime minister on Monday. The law encapsulates what Burnham says his government will be about: accountability and shifting power to ordinary people.
