Andy Burnham, the incoming Prime Minister, made a dramatic return to the House of Commons on Tuesday, praising Sir Keir Starmer for his work on the long-delayed Hillsborough law as MPs approved new legislation designed to prevent cover-ups linked to failures of the state. The legislation imposes a duty on public authorities and officials to tell the truth and proactively cooperate with official investigations and inquiries.
Legislative Details and Delays
The bill, which also commits to providing legal aid for victims of disasters or state-related deaths, was a pledge in Labour's 2024 general election manifesto. Sir Keir had promised to pass the bill by 15 April 2025, to mark the 36th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster. However, this deadline was missed, and the government abandoned a final debate in January following a backlash from campaigners and some Labour MPs. The delay stemmed from wrangling over how the duty applies to the intelligence services, with ministers recently breaking the deadlock with further changes.
The law takes its name from the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, which claimed 97 lives after a crush during the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at Sheffield Wednesday's ground. Police leaders were found to have spread false narratives about the disaster, blaming Liverpool fans, and withheld evidence of their own failings.
Burnham's Commons Speech
Speaking in the Commons for the first time since his election as Labour MP for Makerfield, the Prime Minister-in-waiting directed his words at the man he ousted in a coup d’état. He said: “It feels fitting to be here tonight, and particularly to be with my right honourable friend, the Prime Minister. Because I remember very clearly at the conclusion of the second Hillsborough inquest, how he worked with me as part of the shadow health team back then to draft the original bill that was presented to Parliament, and tonight is before this House.”
Burnham added: “It does feel tonight like life is coming full circle, and as we pass this momentous piece of legislation – a piece of legislation that will change the way this country thinks and works about justice – it truly is a rewiring of the state and a passing of power from the authorities to the hands of ordinary people. And it is happening because of the Prime Minister’s commitment to a country based on justice and fairness, and we thank him for that.”
Starmer's Response and Criticism
Earlier, Sir Keir said he “made a promise” to families to bring forward the Hillsborough Law “as soon as I could” after facing criticism from shadow justice minister Kieran Mullan. He added: “I just want to record that these families, and families across the country affected by this Bill, have waited years and years too long. Years too long. I made a promise to these families, looked them in the eye, and said I would bring this forward as soon as I could. And I’ve kept that promise, and I’m proud that this Labour government is bringing this Bill in.”
The bill's approval comes in Sir Keir's final days as prime minister, with Mr Burnham succeeding him on Monday. The legislation is expected to have a lasting impact on how public authorities handle investigations and inquiries, ensuring greater transparency and accountability.
