Hillsborough Law Finally passed

This week, after 37 years, the Hillsborough Law finally passed through the House of Commons.

This law ensures honesty, accountability, and justice. It makes sure that no family must ever fight the State for the truth again.

This law pays respect to the Hillsborough families who stood up, year after year, when they were let down. Their courage and determination are why this law exists.

I have strong memories of hearing my Nan, Maggie, talking about the lasting impact the disaster had throughout her community where she lived in Liverpool. It left people feeling ignored, unheard and exposed.

Now, nearly four decades later, I am proud to be a Member of the Labour Government that has brought this law forward.

It’s important to me that we recognise the power of collective action and the tireless grassroots campaigning that has brought us to this moment. The Hillsborough campaign shows us that when ordinary people come together, stand in solidarity and refuse to be ignored, they can challenge institutions and secure meaningful change.

However, this law goes beyond Hillsborough. It remembers those affected by Windrush, those impacted by Grenfell, the loss of one of our town’s own and other victims of the Manchester Arena attack, and every person who has been failed when institutions have not been honest, transparent or accountable. It is a law built on the lessons of these experiences, ensuring that families are heard, supported and never again left to fight alone for the truth.

It does this in several ways.

First, it puts a legal duty of candour on every public official. That means you tell the truth, you act with honesty, you act with integrity. No more cover-ups. No more shifting the blame. If you mislead the public or refuse to cooperate with investigations, you’ll face criminal sanctions, including prison time.

Second, it gives bereaved families the support they should always have had. Legal aid, without means testing, so ordinary people are never again left to battle powerful institutions alone.

Third, it makes it a crime to mislead the public in a serious way. Because we’ve seen too many times what happens when those in authority think they can twist the truth and get away with it.

As the Prime Minister has rightly recognised, there have been a clear class element in the injustices that have led to this law being necessary. For too long, too many ordinary people have found themselves fighting against institutions with greater resources, greater influence and greater power than them.

For many working-class families, the Hillsborough Law represents the principle that justice should never depend on wealth, status or power. It helps ensure that ordinary people are treated fairly, public authorities are held accountable, and that no family again has to spend decades fighting for the truth.