Ian Byrne MP is expected to put the case for a full Hillsborough Law in the House of Commons tomorrow (July 2)
A banner for Hillsborough Law
A banner for Hillsborough Law(Image: PA)
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has been urged to 'deliver on his promises' and introduce a full Hillsborough Law amid growing concerns the government may try to weaken the proposed legislation. At last year's Labour conference, the Prime Minister reiterated his commitment to bringing a Hillsborough Law in before the 36th anniversary of the 1989 disaster in which 97 Liverpool fans were unlawfully killed. That deadline - on April 15 this year - was missed.
The Hillsborough Law seeks to bring in a legal responsibility for public servants to tell the truth - referred to as a duty of candour. It would also ensure legal funding is provided to people affected by state-related disasters, like Hillsborough.
Last week, 167 cross-party MPs and Lords wrote to Sir Keir Starmer demanding he fulfil his pledge to introduce a full Hillsborough Law as concerns grow about a "toothless replacement" bill.
The letter was co-ordinated by Liverpool West Derby Labour MP and Hillsborough survivor Ian Byrne, and was signed by 138 MPs and 29 Lords from different political parties, including 81 Labour figures.
Ian Byrne MP is expected to present a ten minute rule bill at the House of Commons tomorrow (July 2) and make the case for a full Hillsborough Law.
Ian Byrne, MP for West Derby
Ian Byrne, MP for West Derby(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
Ahead of this, Knowsley Council leader, Graham Morgan has called on the Prime Minister to deliver on his promise. In a letter sent to Sir Keir Starmer, Cllr Morgan wrote: "Back in January this year, we bestowed the highest possible honour we could on Margaret (Aspinall, Hillsborough campaigner) when we awarded her the Freedom of the Borough of Knowsley.
"At that time, we were all hopeful that you would deliver on your promise to implement the Hillsborough Law, in full, ahead of the anniversary in April.
"I remember clearly at the event Margaret powerfully making the point that her work would not be done until this was the case. When you consider what she is asking, it is almost impossible to understand why this hasn’t happened."
Earlier this year, the Liverpool ECHO reported on Margaret Aspinall's call to deliver Hillsborough Law in its 'entirety'. It was an impassioned speech formed by her tireless fight for justice as she accept a 'Freedom of Knowsley' award in the borough's council chamber.
During the ceremony, Mrs Aspinall said she was contacted by the prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer, at the last Labour conference and was assured the Hillsborough Law legislation will be passed before the 36th anniversary of the tragedy in April. Addressing the chamber, Mrs Aspinall said: "I am not holding my breath just yet, for the simple reason we had promises in the past and been let down."
Margaret Aspinall at her Freedom of Knowsley Ceremony.
Margaret Aspinall at her Freedom of Knowsley Ceremony.
(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
Mrs Aspinall's 18-year-old son James was one of the 97 victims who lost their lives at Hillsborough in 1989. The former chairperson of the now-disbanded Hillsborough Family Support Group, she has bravely fought for justice over three decades and dedicated her life to supporting victims and their families.
She added at the ceremony: "I want it in all its entirety. I don't want crumbs of a Hillsborough Law. I want it all." Mrs Aspinall finished with saying: "After 36 years in April, we are still fighting to get a Hillsborough Law so I pray, and my job is done if that is achieved."
In his letter to the Prime Minister, Cllr Morgan added: "I urge you to be the politician that finally delivers on the promises made to this remarkable lady and to the very many people, now and in the future, who will benefit from the introduction of a full Hillsborough Law."