Hillsborough Bill Nears Approval
The Hillsborough Bill, aimed at establishing a Hillsborough Law, is anticipated to be approved by Members of Parliament (MPs) next week, prior to the summer recess, according to information received by the BBC.
This legislation, which has faced significant delays, was withdrawn from the parliamentary agenda in January due to disagreements concerning the extent to which intelligence services would be obligated to comply with a proposed legal "duty of candour" imposed on public bodies and officials.
Formally titled the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, it is now expected to pass the House of Commons on Tuesday, setting the stage for it to become law by autumn.
The 1989 Hillsborough disaster resulted in 97 deaths caused by a crush during the FA Cup semi-final.
A government source informed the BBC that ministers have agreed on a new amendment which campaigners assert ensures there will be no exemptions for intelligence services.
Following the disaster at Sheffield Wednesday's ground, police disseminated false narratives blaming Liverpool fans and withheld evidence of their own failings.
Fresh inquests held in 2016 concluded that Liverpool fans were unlawfully killed and that police actions caused or contributed to their deaths.
The Hillsborough Law would impose a legal duty on public officials to provide truthful information during inquiries and investigations.
'Lasting Legacy'
Ian Byrne MP, a Hillsborough survivor who has spearheaded the parliamentary campaign for the law, expressed his sentiments to the BBC:
"I'm absolutely delighted, and above all relieved, that we have finally secured the Hillsborough Law. This is a lasting legacy for the 97, for the survivors, the bereaved families, and for every person who has suffered at the hands of the state and been denied truth and justice."
Sources close to the discussions revealed that Andy Burnham, the likely next prime minister and a long-time supporter of Hillsborough families and survivors, played a key role in persuading ministers to allow the bill to proceed without the changes that campaigners had feared.
Sir Keir Starmer is also reported to have been eager to secure an agreement before leaving office, having made a personal promise to relatives of some Hillsborough victims that he would implement the law as prime minister.
Jenni Hicks, a campaigner whose two teenage daughters, Sarah and Victoria, died in the crush, thanked the prime minister:
"I've asked Keir Starmer to make this his prime ministerial legacy, not just for the 97 victims of Hillsborough, the survivors and their families, but to ensure accountability for all victims of state wrongdoing. I'd like to thank Keir Starmer for finally listening and doing the right thing, which is long overdue."
Charlotte Hennessy, whose father James was among those killed, was among the Hillsborough relatives who received a personal promise from Sir Keir Starmer that he would implement the Hillsborough Law as prime minister. She told the BBC:
"The prime minister made us a promise and he has fulfilled it, that is a clear testament to the man he is. A special thank you to Keir Starmer and Andy Burnham for pushing together to get this bill back on track."
Alex Davies-Jones MP, who led the government's work on the legislation before resigning as victims minister in May, described the bill as "an unnecessary uphill battle." She said:
"It is long overdue, but when it does finally reach royal assent it will totally change how victims and the public are treated. The bill is about honesty, accountability, respect and justice. It's a legacy to all those who never gave up in their fight for truth, justice and accountability."
A government source told the BBC:
"This is an overwhelming victory after months of hard work to find a solution that ensures we have a duty of candour that applies to the intelligence services without compromising national security. The Hillsborough Law will fundamentally change the balance of power so the state can never hide from the people it is supposed to serve, and so victims can always get justice."
Pete Weatherby KC, director of Hillsborough Law Now, told the BBC:
"The government has at last accepted that there will be no carve outs or exemptions for the new duty of candour. All relevant ministers have personally signed off on what will be landmark changes to public accountability and bring an end to official cover-ups."
Sir Keir Starmer is also understood to have been keen to secure an agreement before leaving office, having made a personal promise to relatives of some Hillsborough victims that he would implement the law as prime minister.
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