The Hillsborough Law, a landmark piece of legislation imposing a legal duty of candour on public officials, cleared its final hurdle in the House of Commons on 14 July 2026. Family members of the 97 victims of the 1989 disaster watched from the public gallery as MPs approved the bill without a formal vote. The legislation now moves to the House of Lords before receiving royal assent.
Decades-long campaign culminates in Parliament
For nearly four decades, the Hillsborough families have fought against state cover-ups, smears, and institutional resistance. The bill, formally titled the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, requires public authorities and officials to proactively disclose information in the wake of major incidents. It was introduced by outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who the families credit with fulfilling a promise made years ago.
Margaret Aspinall, whose son James died in the disaster, said: "This is a huge step forward, but it should never have taken so long. We have lost too many loved ones and too many years to get here." Charlotte Hennessy, sister of victim James Hennessy, added: "No other family should have to go through what we did. This law will ensure that."
Key figures and political significance
Sir Keir Starmer, who leaves office days after the vote, met with the families on Tuesday for what he described as a "deeply moving" final meeting in Downing Street. The incoming Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, gave his maiden speech as MP for Makerfield during the debate. Burnham, who as a young minister in 2009 was shouted down by Liverpool fans at the 20th anniversary commemorations, has been a central figure in the fight for truth.
"There is a cosmic significance that the politician most consequential in the fight for Hillsborough truth is now becoming Prime Minister as this law is about to reach the statute books," wrote Liam Thorp, Political Editor of the Liverpool Echo, who was present in Parliament.
What the Hillsborough Law does
The bill imposes a statutory duty on public officials to be candid and truthful when dealing with victims of major incidents or disasters. It also creates a new criminal offence for public servants who deliberately conceal information. The legislation was delayed for months due to wrangling over intelligence service exemptions, but those carve-outs were eventually resolved.
Steve Kelly, whose brother Michael died at Hillsborough, said: "People ask why a duty of candour is needed. Just look at what happened to us, to the infected blood victims, to the Post Office scandal families. Public officials do not always tell the truth."
Caution remains but families hopeful
Despite the Commons victory, families remain cautious. The bill must still pass the Lords and receive royal assent. Sue Roberts, whose son Ian died, said: "We have been let down too many times to celebrate fully. But today feels different." Aspinall added: "We will not rest until it is law."
The golden sky over Parliament on Tuesday evening, echoing the lyrics of the Liverpool anthem "You'll Never Walk Alone," provided a fitting backdrop. The ECHO noted that the same sky appeared on its front page in 2016 when the new inquests confirmed the fans were unlawfully killed.
