The long-delayed 'Hillsborough Law,' officially known as the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, is scheduled for passage through the House of Commons this week. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to oversee its final stages in his closing days in office.
The legislation establishes a legally enforceable duty of candour, compelling public officials and authorities to act with transparency during investigations and inquiries. The law is named after the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, where the deaths of 97 Liverpool fans were followed by findings that key public servants, including police, had not been truthful about the events leading up to the crush.
Sir Keir had previously committed to introducing the law before the 36th anniversary of the disaster in 2025 but missed the deadline. Further delays arose due to concerns from security services regarding the potential impact on intelligence operations.
However, the government has now resolved these concerns, determining that employees and former employees of intelligence services can be included under the duty of candour without compromising national security. Under amendments to the bill, intelligence employees will submit information under the duty of candour to their organization's head, who will then be responsible for relaying it to public investigators.
A government source stated that this outcome represents a significant victory, ensuring a duty of candour for intelligence services while safeguarding national security. The source added that the Hillsborough Law will fundamentally alter the balance of power, preventing the state from concealing information and ensuring victims can pursue justice.
Responding to questions about whether Sir Keir was rushing the bill for a 'legacy' in his final days, the Prime Minister's official spokesman affirmed that Sir Keir had been committed to the legislation from its inception.
The Hillsborough Law Now campaign welcomed the bill's return to the Commons, calling it a major step towards changes that bereaved families and survivors have long advocated for to prevent state cover-ups. The campaign noted the government's concession to include security services without carve-outs or exemptions, breaking an impasse that had persisted since January. They emphasized this milestone is significant not only for Hillsborough families but for all those affected by cover-ups and a lack of accountability from public authorities, moving closer to a future where families do not have to spend decades seeking the truth.
Following its passage through the Commons, the bill will proceed to the House of Lords. The Hillsborough Law Now campaign will continue working with peers, parliamentarians, and families to ensure the legislation becomes law and delivers the promised changes.
Andy Burnham, who is set to succeed Sir Keir as Prime Minister, described the bill's return to the Commons as a "special moment." He expressed profound thanks to the Hillsborough families and campaigners for their unwavering determination, stating their persistence will permanently shift the balance of power in the country in favor of ordinary people. Burnham also indicated that rebalancing power must continue, referencing the long period of injustice faced by an English city and vowing to work towards greater equality by redistributing power.