Hillsborough Law Now– Latest Attempt to Introduce the Bill Voted Down

Earlier this month, MP and Hillsborough survivor Ian Byrne reintroduced the Hillsborough Law to Parliament as a private members’ bill, supported by a cross-party coalition.

First introduced to Parliament in 2017, the bill was originally drafted by lawyers who represented Hillsborough families during the inquests. It is endorsed by families and survivors of Hillsborough, as well as campaigners from other state-related scandals. Officially titled The Public Authority Accountability Bill, it would create a legal duty of candour, requiring public authorities and officials to tell the truth and proactively cooperate with official investigations and inquiries. It would also ensure that victims of disasters or state-related deaths are entitled to parity in legal representation during inquests and inquiries, and that a public advocate is available to represent families.

In September 2024, during his first press conference, Sir Keir Starmer vowed to bring in Hillsborough Law before the next anniversary of the disaster in April 2025. However, earlier this year, ahead of the 36th anniversary, the prime minister failed to meet his own deadline. There were also concerns that the version of the bill proposed by Parliament was a watered-down version of the 2017 proposals and lacked “the core principles and protections of the Hillsborough Law.”

Byrne’s further attempt earlier this month to get the original draft of the bill through Parliament was blocked. He told Starmer that he risked “yet another betrayal of Hillsborough families and survivors.”

Byrne has since called on the prime minister to “bring forward the real Hillsborough Law” and “to keep his word and support the bill for the 97, for all victims of institutional failure, for truth and justice,” before returning to Liverpool for the Labour Party Conference later this year. In response, Starmer told the House of Commons that he was “fully committed” to bringing in legislation which would force public officials to tell the truth at major inquiries, with “criminal sanctions for those that refuse to comply.”

We continue to wait for meaningful progress, but the case for legal reform and a rebalancing of the system is undeniable. Though it cannot erase the grave injustices suffered by those affected by Hillsborough, it offers a vital opportunity to protect future generations from enduring the same prolonged obstruction, denial, and institutional cover-ups.

We are the Lead Solicitors in the Hillsborough Victims’ Misfeasance Litigation. If you are considering making a complaint and/or a civil claim against the police, our Actions Against the Police team may be able to assist. If you would like more information please call us on 020 7632 4300 or Make an enquiry and we will contact you.