Sir Keir Starmer confirms Hillsborough Law will be introduced by anniversary of disaster

"A law for Liverpool, a law for the 97": The Prime Minister vowed to deliver Hillsborough Law in his key note speech at the Labour party conference.

A “Hillsborough Law” will be introduced in Parliament before the next anniversary of the football stadium tragedy, Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed.

The Prime Minister told the Labour Party Conference that he would make a "law for Liverpool and a law for the 97" victims of the 1989 disaster.

Campaigners have been calling for legislation to prevent the experiences of families of the fans who were killed happening again, and to help victims of other scandals to get justice.

The Hillsborough Law would introduce a legal duty of candour on public bodies, with the potential for criminal sanctions for officials or organisations which mislead or obstruct investigations.

Sir Keir said that it was also a law for the sub-postmasters of the Horizon scandal, victims of infected blood, Windrush, Grenfell Tower and "all the countless injustices over the years suffered by working people at the hands of those who were supposed to serve them."

Sir Keir announced the news in his key note speech. Credit: PA Images

"Truth and justice concealed behind closed ranks of the state, and conference, this is the meaning of clause one, because today I can confirm that the duty of candour will apply to public authorities and public servants.

"The Bill will include criminal sanctions and that the Hillsborough law will be introduced to Parliament before the next anniversary in April," he said.

The change sees the Government taking forward recommendations made by Bishop James Jones in his 2017 report into the experience of the Hillsborough families in the years following the crush which resulted in the death of Liverpool supporters at the stadium in Sheffield.

A spokeswoman for Hillsborough Law Now, says: “We are heartened by such a positive message from Sir Keir today, particularly the commitment that his Hillsborough Law will deliver accountability across all public bodies.

"Let today be the start of a period of true transparency and accountability in public life, where bluster is confined to the annals of the past and candour is the new way of working.

“Sir Keir is right that this law is about all of those who have suffered at the hands of those who were supposed to serve them and it's to all those who have fought for justice that this truly groundbreaking legislation really belongs.

“The devil will be in the detail, but we will work with the government to make sure the Hillsborough Law delivers for all."

97 people died as a result of the Hillsborough Disaster. Credit: PA Images

Alongside the promised law, the Government has begun the process of recruiting the first independent public advocate (IPA).

The IPA will be sent to the scene of any future public disaster, playing a pivotal role in ensuring victims, survivors, and bereaved families get the information and support they need.

The advocate is expected to be in post by next summer and will inform victims about sources of support, advice and services available to them.

The role will also help victims understand actions taken by public authorities in relation to the incident, including how to navigate inquiries, inquests and other formal processes that may follow a public disaster.

The IPA will also communicate with public authorities on behalf of victims.

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