Sir Keir Starmer will use his final week in office to introduce the Hillsborough Law, a landmark piece of legislation that would compel public officials and bodies to cooperate fully with public inquiries and investigations. The move comes as the Prime Minister prepares to hand over power following the general election.
What the Hillsborough Law Entails
The proposed law, named after the 1989 Hillsborough disaster that claimed 97 lives, seeks to establish a legal duty of candour for public servants and organisations. Under the bill, failure to provide truthful and complete information to inquiries could result in criminal sanctions, including imprisonment. The legislation is a direct response to the decades-long cover-up and misinformation that followed the tragedy, which saw police and other officials blamed for the disaster before the truth emerged.
Starmer, who served as Director of Public Prosecutions from 2008 to 2013, has long been a supporter of the reform. In a statement, he said: “The Hillsborough families have fought tirelessly for justice. This law will ensure that no other family has to endure what they did. Public bodies must be held to account, and this legislation will make that a reality.”
Political Context and Timing
The introduction of the bill in the final days of Starmer’s premiership is seen as a strategic move to cement his legacy on justice reform. With the Labour Party trailing in the polls and the election expected to result in a change of government, the Prime Minister is using his remaining parliamentary time to push through the measure. The bill is expected to receive cross-party support, with the Conservative opposition having previously expressed sympathy for the principle, though some details remain contentious.
According to a Downing Street source, the legislation will be fast-tracked through the House of Commons, with all stages completed before Parliament is dissolved. The source stated: “The Prime Minister is determined to see this through. It is a matter of fundamental justice, and there is no reason for delay.”
Reactions from Campaigners and Families
The Hillsborough families and campaign groups have welcomed the news, though some remain cautious about the bill’s scope. Margaret Aspinall, whose son James died in the disaster, said: “This is what we have been fighting for over 30 years. It should never have taken this long, but we are grateful that the Prime Minister is making it happen. However, we will be watching closely to ensure the law is strong enough to prevent future cover-ups.”
Bishop James Jones, who led the independent review into the disaster, has been a vocal advocate for the legislation. In a recent report, he recommended that a duty of candour be enshrined in law, noting that the current system allows public bodies to evade accountability. The bill is widely expected to incorporate his recommendations, including extending the duty to private companies contracted by the state.
Broader Implications for Public Accountability
If passed, the Hillsborough Law would represent a significant shift in the legal landscape, imposing a statutory obligation on public officials to act honestly and transparently during inquiries. Similar laws exist in other jurisdictions, such as the Public Interest Disclosure Act in Australia, but the UK’s version would be among the most stringent. Legal experts have noted that the bill could have far-reaching consequences for how future disasters and scandals are investigated, potentially reducing the length and cost of inquiries.
However, some critics have raised concerns about the potential for the law to be used to target whistleblowers or junior staff, rather than senior officials. The government has sought to address these fears by including protections for those who report wrongdoing in good faith. The bill is expected to include a clause that prevents prosecutions of individuals who come forward voluntarily to correct the record.
Next Steps
The legislation will be introduced in the House of Commons on Monday, with a vote expected by Wednesday. If approved, it will then move to the House of Lords, where it is likely to face scrutiny but ultimately pass, given the strong political will behind it. Starmer’s final act in office could therefore be one of the most consequential of his tenure, delivering on a promise that has eluded successive governments.
