A proposed Hillsborough Law, intended to ensure greater transparency and accountability in the wake of disasters, is facing delays in Parliament due to a disagreement over potential opt-outs for security services. The legislation has been in development since 2017, with amendments made over time, but a final parliamentary passage is being hindered by this dispute.
Charlotte Hennessy, whose father was among the 97 victims of the Hillsborough disaster, stated that there is no reason to further postpone the implementation of the bill. "It was written in 2017, it's been amended along the way. There's no reason [Sir Keir] can't endorse that original bill," she told the BBC.
Hennessy also commented on the return of Andy Burnham to Westminster as the Member of Parliament for Makerfield. She acknowledged his long-standing support for the Hillsborough campaign, noting his role as culture secretary in 2010 when he pushed for the establishment of the Hillsborough Independent Panel report. "Andy Burnham launched our campaign group, and Andy also had a part to play in the writing of the bill, so I have got no doubt whatsoever that it's definitely going to be a priority," Hennessy said. However, she expressed concern about potential "barriers from the intelligence agencies."
The Hillsborough Law Now campaign recognized Sir Keir Starmer's role in making the law a manifesto pledge in 2023 and expressed gratitude for his continued support. "We recognise that it was Sir Keir Starmer who campaigned for the Hillsborough Law to become a manifesto pledge in 2023, and for that, and for his continued support, we are grateful," a statement from the campaign read. "He did not forget us. While we are disappointed by the continued barriers and delays, we thank him for helping us reach this point when many other prime ministers did not even try."