Liam Robinson said only the full law backed by the families would be acceptable to the city
A banner for Hillsborough Law
A banner for Hillsborough Law(Image: PA)
Only the adoption of the Hillsborough Law in full as agreed with the families - including the duty of candour - will be acceptable to the people of Liverpool according to the leader of the city council. Cllr Liam Robinson added to the chorus of voices putting pressure on the Prime Minister to make good on his promise to Liverpool that he would adopt the legislation named in honour of the 97 Liverpool fans unlawfully killed 36 years ago.
Sir Keir Starmer has repeatedly promised to introduce a Hillsborough Law in full - and told last year's Labour conference he would do this by the 36th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster in April this year, but that deadline was missed. Concerns have been raised by families and Labour MPs that the government could look to bring in a watered down version of the proposed law.
Cllr Robinson told a Liverpool Council cabinet meeting how such a move would not be accepted in the city and urged the government to follow through with its promise. 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.
The city leader urged the Prime Minister to make good on his pledge and the council would support plans to adopt this.
He said: “Only the law in full is acceptable, including the full duty of candour to this council and to the people of this city.”
Liam Robinson, leader of Liverpool Labour
Liam Robinson, leader of Liverpool Labour
Concerns have been growing among those campaigning for the bill - including Labour MPs like Ian Byrne - himself a Hillsborough survivor - that the government will try to weaken the proposed new law so that it will not include the legal duty of candour for public officials with criminal sanctions.
During Prime Minister’s Questions last week, Sir Keir attempted to dampen down those fears.
He said: “I have known some of the Hillsborough families for many years, I met them over a decade ago and I know exactly what they have been through, as well as other groups who have suffered similar injustices with similar follow up, which is an additional injustice.
Ian Byrne, MP for Liverpool West Derby
Ian Byrne, MP for Liverpool West Derby(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
"That's why we will bring forward a Hillsborough Law, it is a commitment I have made. I have been talking to the families in recent weeks to make sure we get this right. It is important that we do get it right, but it will have a legal duty of candour."
Last week, Mr Byrne introduced the original version of the bill, drafted in 2017, to the House of Commons for a second reading, but it was blocked.