The Hillsborough Law will include a “duty of candour,” compelling public officials to be truthful during disaster investigations. The bill aims to end cover-ups, provide legal funding to victims, and impose sanctions for non-cooperation. Campaigners and families welcome the move as a step towards justice and accountability, hoping to prevent similar tragedies.
The Hillsborough Law, a piece of legislation long sought after by campaigners and families of the victims of the Hillsborough disaster, is set to include a critical "duty of candour" clause. This provision will compel public officials to provide truthful and transparent accounts during investigations into major disasters, marking a significant step towards accountability and justice.
News of this inclusion has been met with widespread relief and approval by campaigners who had previously expressed concerns that the bill might be weakened or diluted. The landmark Public Office (Accountability) Bill aims to foster a culture of openness and honesty within public bodies, ensuring they fully cooperate with inquiries into significant incidents. Failure to do so could result in criminal sanctions, sending a strong message about the importance of transparency and accountability.
In addition to mandating cooperation, the bill also addresses the critical issue of legal funding for those affected by state-related disasters. This provision recognizes the often lengthy and complex legal battles that families and victims face when seeking justice and redress. By providing access to legal resources, the bill seeks to level the playing field and ensure that those affected have the support they need to navigate the legal system.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer had initially pledged to enact the law by the 36th anniversary of the Hillsborough tragedy, a commitment that underscored the significance of the issue. However, Downing Street later indicated that more time was necessary to properly redraft the legislation, leading to some apprehension among campaigners. The inclusion of the duty of candour clause appears to reaffirm the government's commitment to the principles of accountability and transparency.
The Hillsborough disaster, which occurred during the FA Cup semi-final match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest on April 15, 1989, at the Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield, resulted in the deaths of 97 football fans. The tragedy exposed serious failings in crowd management and emergency response, and the subsequent investigations revealed a disturbing pattern of cover-ups and attempts to shift blame.
Margaret Aspinall, who lost her 18-year-old son James in the disaster, expressed her hope that the new law would prevent others from experiencing similar suffering. She has been a prominent voice in the campaign for justice and accountability, and her advocacy has been instrumental in keeping the issue in the public eye.
The government has stated that the legislation is intended to address a broader "culture of cover-ups" that has been evident in other major disasters, including the Grenfell Tower fire, the Post Office Horizon scandal, and the infected blood scandal. By learning from these past tragedies and implementing robust accountability measures, the government hopes to prevent similar failures in the future.
The bill is scheduled to be introduced to Parliament on Tuesday, marking the beginning of its legislative journey. The inclusion of a professional and legal "duty of candour" is a significant victory for campaigners, as it establishes a clear expectation of honesty and integrity for public officials. Those who breach this duty could face criminal sanctions, providing a powerful deterrent against misconduct.
Charlotte Hennessy, whose 29-year-old father Jimmy died at Hillsborough, described the campaign for the law as "really tough." She emphasized the importance of the duty of candour, noting that existing laws such as perjury only apply to criminal cases. The new legislation would extend this obligation to a wider range of public officials and situations.
Elkan Abrahamson, a lawyer with Broudie Jackson Canter and one of the bill's architects, cautioned that there is still work to be done before the law is finalized. He emphasized the need to scrutinize the bill as it progresses through Parliament, ensuring that it meets the needs of victims and families.
Sir Keir Starmer praised the courage and strength of the Hillsborough families and survivors in their long campaign for justice. He stated that the new legislation would change the balance of power in Britain, ensuring that the state can never hide from the people it is supposed to serve.
The Hillsborough Law represents a significant step forward in the pursuit of justice and accountability. By mandating honesty, transparency, and cooperation from public officials, the legislation seeks to prevent future cover-ups and ensure that victims of major disasters receive the support and redress they deserve. Its impact could extend far beyond the Hillsborough tragedy, serving as a model for accountability in other areas of public life.