Hillsborough Campaigner Demands Prime Minister Act on Promise to Pass Landmark Law
Margaret Aspinall, a prominent Hillsborough campaigner whose 18-year-old son James was among the 97 victims of the 1989 disaster, has issued a direct plea to Prime Minister Keir Starmer to honour his commitment and enact the long-awaited Hillsborough Law without further delay. In an exclusive statement, Ms Aspinall expressed profound frustration over the legislative holdups, urging the government to move swiftly.
Urgent Call for Action Ahead of 37th Anniversary
"Get it sorted. Do it, ASAP," Ms Aspinall told The Mirror in a pointed message to Mr Starmer. "You promised when you first came into power that you would fulfil a Hillsborough Law in all its entirety. Now do what you promised. You've not only promised it to me, you've promised it to the people of this country. Do the right thing Mr Starmer please, and do it ASAP."
Her impassioned appeal comes just days before the 37th anniversary of the tragedy, which occurred during an FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at Sheffield's Hillsborough Stadium. The timing underscores the emotional weight and urgency felt by bereaved families who have campaigned for justice and accountability for over three decades.
Legislative Delays and Security Services Row
The proposed legislation, officially titled the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, aims to establish a statutory "duty of candour" that would legally oblige public officials to act with honesty and transparency, with potential criminal sanctions for non-compliance. However, the bill was withdrawn from the House of Commons in January following a significant dispute over amendments concerning its application to security and intelligence agencies, including MI5.
A government amendment sought to include spies under the legislation's scope, subject to approval by the heads of their respective services. Campaigners and families of the victims warned that this provision could allow security service leaders to arbitrarily decide whether to disclose critical information, thereby undermining the law's core purpose.
Faced with the prospect of a Labour rebellion, the bill was pulled, and negotiations between Hillsborough families, legal representatives, and government ministers remain ongoing. This stalemate means the legislation has little chance of passing before the current parliamentary session concludes later this month, coinciding with the anniversary of the disaster.
Campaigner's Frustration and Broader Support
"Well to be honest with you it's frustrating, it really is," Ms Aspinall remarked. "I've never known anything to take so long to get this sorted. How long is it now? We're coming up to 12 months next week or the week after. It's absolutely ludicrous. I mean, what is it that they are afraid of? They keep mentioning national security."
Support for the duty of candour extends beyond the Hillsborough families, encompassing victims of other major scandals, including the Grenfell Tower fire, which claimed 72 lives, and the Post Office Horizon IT scandal, which led to the wrongful prosecution and conviction of hundreds of individuals. Ms Aspinall emphasised the broader implications, stating, "The truth costs nothing, absolutely nothing. But look at how much it costs to tell lies and cover-up - millions upon millions of pounds it's cost this country for the lies and cover-up. How long can that go on for?"
Prime Minister's Response and Government Position
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has met privately with Ms Aspinall on multiple occasions during his tenure as Director of Public Prosecutions, opposition leader, and now as Prime Minister, addressed the delays earlier this year. "I care hugely that we get this right, that we right the wrongs for very many families who've been let down, and ensure a better future for families in the future," he stated.
Mr Starmer added, "What we're now trying to do is just make sure we get the balance right when it comes to the application of any principle to the security and intelligence agencies. Obviously, I have to focus on the national interest. My primary duty as Prime Minister, which is to keep this country safe and secure, that is the duty I hold above all other duties. And I take it really seriously, which is why we're just taking time to make sure that we get that balance absolutely right."
A government spokeswoman reiterated this stance, telling The Mirror, "The Hillsborough disaster will remain in our national consciousness for its tragedy and disgraceful injustice. New legislation will ensure the State must always act for the people it serves by preventing cover-ups and ensuring accountability in public office. It will apply to the intelligence services and must protect our national security. As we have done throughout this process, we are taking the time to get this right and ensuring we never compromise on national security."
Background and Future Prospects
The Hillsborough Law, first proposed approximately a decade ago, gained renewed momentum when Keir Starmer's Labour Party came to power in July 2024. A promise was made to introduce the legislation by the 36th anniversary in April 2025, but that deadline was missed. The bill was finally introduced to the Commons in September 2025, with explanatory notes describing the Hillsborough disaster as "a great stain on British history" and aiming to prevent similar cover-ups from ever occurring again.
As the 37th anniversary approaches, the bill remains in legislative limbo. The government hopes that negotiations with the families will be resolved in time for Labour's next annual conference in Liverpool this September, but for now, campaigners like Margaret Aspinall continue to wait and advocate for the swift passage of this critical accountability measure.
