In a striking intervention that places immense pressure on the Labour leadership, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has publicly challenged Sir Keir Starmer to commit to enacting a 'Hillsborough Law' should he win the next general election.
The proposed legislation, a cornerstone of Burnham's own political mission since the tragic 1989 disaster, would establish a statutory 'duty of candour' on all public officials and bodies. This legal obligation is designed to force complete transparency and prevent the decades-long cover-ups that plagued the Hillsborough families' fight for justice.
A Personal and Political Challenge
Burnham, who has been a relentless campaigner for the Hillsborough families, made his demand clear. He insists that the next Labour manifesto must include this pledge, framing it not as a optional policy, but as a moral imperative for a party built on justice.
His challenge strikes at the heart of Starmer's credentials. While acknowledging Starmer's past support for the families, Burnham pointedly questions whether that support will now translate into concrete, unwavering action from a potential Prime Minister.
The Legacy of a Long Fight
The call for a Hillsborough Law stems from the painful history of the disaster itself, where 97 Liverpool fans were unlawfully killed. Families of the victims faced a systemic and orchestrated campaign of misinformation and blame from authorities, battling for over 30 years to uncover the truth.
The proposed law aims to dismantle the power imbalance that exists between ordinary citizens and the state, ensuring that no other family has to endure a similar battle for transparency.
Starmer's Record Under Scrutiny
This move places Sir Keir Starmer in a delicate position. As Director of Public Prosecutions and later as Shadow Brexit Secretary, he engaged with the families and supported their cause. However, Burnham's public ultimatum demands a firmer, more definitive commitment that is set in stone.
The demand ensures that the legacy of Hillsborough and the promise of true accountability remain at the forefront of British political discourse, testing Labour's resolve on issues of state power and public truth.
