Families impacted by some of the United Kingdom’s most devastating tragedies have accused Keir Starmer’s Labour Party of a “deep insult” after the promised Hillsborough Law was not introduced in the current parliamentary session. The legislation, intended to create a legal duty of candour on police and public bodies, has been a long-sought goal for campaigners who believe greater transparency could prevent future injustices. The failure to pass the bill before the upcoming general election has sparked outrage and renewed questions about Labour’s commitment to its pledges.
The Hillsborough Law, initially proposed nearly a decade ago, aims to compel public officials to proactively disclose information relevant to inquiries and investigations. This stems from decades of campaigning by survivors and families of the 97 people who died in the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, where a stadium crush during an FA Cup semi-final led to a prolonged cover-up and initial wrongful blame placed on the fans. The core principle – a legal obligation to share the truth – has expanded to encompass other tragedies where systemic failures and alleged cover-ups have hindered justice, including the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing and the ongoing Post Office scandal.
A Decade of Promises and Recent Setbacks
Labour first pledged to implement the Hillsborough Law in 2015. Keir Starmer reiterated this commitment as recently as September at the Labour Party Conference, promising to deliver on the long-awaited legislation. However, the government pulled the bill in January during its passage through Parliament, citing unresolved concerns regarding national security.
The sticking point centers on the application of the duty of candour to the UK’s intelligence agencies – MI5 and MI6. Although families acknowledge the require to protect sensitive information, they argue that security services should still be required to provide relevant material to independent inquiries, with a judge or chair determining what can be safely made public. This position is rooted in the belief that withholding crucial evidence undermines the pursuit of truth and accountability.
Meetings between Starmer and families earlier this year failed to bridge this gap. A government source, speaking anonymously, confirmed to The Guardian that concerns remain within the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the Ministry of Defence, and the Home Office regarding potential risks to national security.
A Broad Coalition Voices Disappointment
The letter of protest, sent to Starmer, is signed by a diverse coalition of campaigners representing families affected by the Hillsborough disaster, the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, the Covid-19 pandemic, and historic injustices like the Post Office scandal and the Windrush scandal. Margaret Aspinall, whose 18-year-old son James was among the 97 who died at Hillsborough, and who introduced Starmer at the Labour Party Conference, is among the signatories. The Hillsborough disaster remains the worst sporting tragedy in British history.
“Above all, we hope to ensure that families in the future do not experience the cultures of denial and defensiveness and cover-ups which we all have,” the letter states. “The fact that Hillsborough Law has still not been reintroduced to parliament is an insult to all of us who have been working so hard to get to this point. It has undermined our trust in this government to do what they said they would and develop this legacy project a reality.”
The families are urging Starmer to intervene directly with the Home Office to abandon its opposition and to schedule an urgent meeting to discuss a resolution. They emphasize the need for a law that prioritizes the needs of those seeking justice, rather than protecting institutions from scrutiny.
Government Response and Potential Amendments
Downing Street maintains its commitment to passing the Hillsborough Law, but stresses the importance of safeguarding national security. A No 10 spokesperson stated that the Prime Minister’s “above all other duties” is to retain the country safe and secure. “We’re committed to getting this bill through parliament, we understand that families have waited too long, but we have said repeatedly that we must take the time to get it right,” the spokesperson said. “Making sure that the bill is as strong as possible is a testament to their decades campaigning for justice, while never compromising national security.”
Government sources indicate they are working on a revised amendment to the bill that would apply the duty of candour to individuals working within the security services, potentially going further than previous offers made to the families in January. Officials say they are “stress testing” different scenarios and consulting within government, hoping to reach an agreement during the next parliamentary session. “This is a law that will change the way the country works top to bottom, we’ve got to get it right,” one official commented.
What is the Duty of Candour?
The “duty of candour” is a legal obligation requiring organizations and individuals to be open and honest in their dealings, particularly when things go wrong. In the context of the Hillsborough Law, it would compel public bodies – including police forces, government departments, and potentially intelligence agencies – to proactively disclose information relevant to inquiries and investigations, rather than withholding it or attempting to control the narrative.
This concept is not new. Similar duties of candour exist in other sectors, such as healthcare, where professionals are legally required to inform patients of errors or omissions in their care. Advocates for the Hillsborough Law argue that extending this principle to the public sector is essential for building trust and ensuring accountability.
The next step will likely be the presentation of the revised amendment by the government, followed by further consultation with the families and legal representatives. The timing of this remains uncertain, particularly given the impending general election. The outcome will have significant implications for the pursuit of justice for those affected by past tragedies and for the future of transparency and accountability within the UK’s public institutions.
If you or someone you know has been affected by the issues raised in this article, resources are available. You can find support and information from organizations like Support After Trauma and Victim Support.
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