Ministers have agreed to carry the proposed Hillsborough law into the next parliamentary session. Campaigners and MPs are urging the Government to deliver the legislation in full without exemptions.
In Westminster, the progress on the long-promised Hillsborough Law is set to continue after ministers agreed to carry the legislation over into the next parliamentary session. This decision ensures that the draft Public Office Accountability Bill remains active as Labour MP Ian Byrne continues to press ministers to address previous delays and ensure the law is implemented in full. The proposed legislation, which was pledged in Labour’s 2024 manifesto, is designed to impose a duty of candor on public officials during inquiries and investigations.
Byrne, who was present at the 1989 Hillsborough disaster where 97 football fans lost their lives, has been a vocal advocate for the bill. In his commentary, he emphasized that any law must be delivered without exceptions for intelligence and security services, stressing that accountability is paramount.
Progress on the bill was previously delayed due to concerns regarding potential changes involving intelligence agencies. The specific proposals under consideration would have brought these agencies into the scope of the legislation only with the approval of their heads. However, after campaigners warned that such amendments could weaken the proposed duty of candor, those changes were subsequently withdrawn.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer had previously promised to deliver draft legislation by April 15 of last year, which would have marked the 36th anniversary of the disaster. The timeline for this commitment slipped as discussions continued regarding the scope of the law.
Despite these challenges, the government has reiterated its commitment to progressing the bill through the legislative process. The proposal remains subject to parliamentary approval as carry-over motions are considered in the Commons. Supporters and campaigners continue to call for full implementation without exemptions, keeping a close watch on how the bill moves forward to ensure the intended transparency and accountability for public officials are upheld.
