Those who lost loved ones to the 1989 disaster herald huge day as Hillsborough Law finally comes to the House of Commons
Charlotte Hennessy's dad, Jimmy, died at Hillsborough, described the Hillsborough Law as "monumental" but vowed "it's only the beginning"
Charlotte Hennessy's dad, Jimmy, died at Hillsborough, described the Hillsborough Law as "monumental" but vowed "it's only the beginning"
(Image: Iain Watts)
Family members of those who were unlawfully killed at the Hillsborough disaster have heralded the introduction of a new law in honour of their loved ones as "monumental."
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and the government have today confirmed that a new Hillsborough Law will be laid before Parliament tomorrow (Tuesday September 16) in a huge and historic moment following decades of campaigning by the families. The new package of laws will crucially include a legally enforceable duty of candour - meaning public officials and authorities must act with honesty or integrity or face criminal sanctions.
It will also include the largest expansion of legal aid in decades - meaning bereaved families will receive non-means-tested help and support when appearing at inquests, with public bodies no longer able to hide behind unfairly large legal teams.
The bill will also include a new offence for misleading the public, with criminal sanctions for the most serious breaches.
Sir Keir will meet with some of the Hillsborough family members in Downing Street tomorrow, Tuesday, before they will be invited to watch the bill be laid before Parliament - something they have been fighting for years to see happen.
Speaking ahead of a historic day, Charlotte Hennessy, whose dad Jimmy was unlawfully killed at Hillsborough said: "In 2016, just days after the 2nd inquests had concluded, Pete Weatherby put the concept of a Hillsborough Law to me and asked if I would support it. Without question, I agreed.
Charlotte Hennessy, pictured with her dad James, who was among the 97 fans who died in the Hillsborough disaster in April 1989
Charlotte Hennessy, pictured with her dad James, who was among the 97 fans who died in the Hillsborough disaster in April 1989
"At that time, I assumed, given the verdicts of the inquests, that it would be a quick and easy implementation. But I was naïve.
"Over the past nine years, I have been proud to be a part of the Hillsborough Law Now group that has grown stronger and stronger with members from various injustices. From Hillsborough, to our little Zane Gbangbola, to the Primodos victims, Infected blood victims, Shrewsbury 21, Nuclear Test Veterans, Post Office Scandal, Covid Bereaved and too many more to mention but we grew strong throughout grief and determined in our goal.
"Today is monumental. But it's only the beginning. We will continue to oversee the rest of this process and ensure that Sir Keir Starmer’s commitment is not watered down.
"I could not think of a more respectful legacy to our 97 loved ones than a Hillsborough Law and I truly hope that they rest a little easier tonight knowing that yet again, they are protecting others.”
Sue Roberts, whose brother Graham was unlawfully killed at Hillsborough said: “The Hillsborough Law, when it is enacted, will be a fitting legacy to our 97 loved ones who were unlawfully killed at Hillsborough.
"Today is a huge step in the right direction and we will be watching closely to ensure this bill is passed in its entirety and enacted in full, to ensure nobody ever has to suffer the same way we and all the families of the 97 suffered in our fight for the truth and accountability.
"The government must resist any pressure from those who don’t believe the public deserves to know the truth about when the state fails.
"This law needs to be embraced by each and every public body, and it needs to be led from the very top of each of these organisations. We may need to see culture changes and even re-education. Wales are already leading the way as all their public bodies signed the Hillsborough charter earlier this year, so hopefully they can reach out and offer guidance to their colleagues across the borders, but I really do believe this law can and will be a step in the right direction to making Britain a fairer place.”
Steve Kelly, whose brother Michael was unlawfully killed at Hillsborough said: “The Hillsborough Law, what a legacy to you from the 97 men, women and children who lost their lives on April 15 1989.
"Their passing became a battle for families for far too long, causing unimaginable strain, while the only thing those family members wanted was to know; what happened, how did it happen, what were the circumstances, who was at fault. Yet for decades denied, from various governments, across all parties.
"We as families have been given massive support, and that has been remarkable in its longevity. We will never forget the faith you showed in us, as we continued for truth, justice and accountability.
Hillsborough family members Margaret Aspinall, Steve Kelly, and Sue Roberts
Hillsborough family members Margaret Aspinall, Steve Kelly, and Sue Roberts
"So here we are ready to go and witness the Hillsborough Bill being presented to Parliament. There is a way to go before the bill is in law, but rest assured we will be there every step of the way until it's implemented."
He added: "But the Government must now keep its promise, a promise made in Liverpool itself. There will still be pressures from those who believe that the state and its agents do not wish for change.
"The Government needs to show that people are at the heart of their way forward, in making individuals and communities safer places to live.
"While those neglectful of Health and Safety, should be brought to account to a criminal standard. Legal representation will be made available, matching those who defend themselves with limitless funds.
"The Hillsborough families have nothing to gain from this, except having the knowledge our loved ones we lost have brought about a change, a change for good, a change for all. Thank you all. God bless.”
A spokesperson for the Hillsborough Law Now campaign said: "The Hillsborough Law will deliver the change that those failed by the state in the cruellest of ways have long demanded and even longer deserved.
"From Hillsborough to Grenfell, from Nuclear Test Veterans to Post Office Sub-Masters, from Infected Blood Scandals to victims of terrorist atrocities, all have shown that the state far too often fails victims and, even worse, makes their tragedies worse with smears, lies and cover- ups.
"This landmark bill if passed and implemented in full will lead to massive cultural change and prevent the cover-ups and institutional defensiveness that have pervaded across so many disasters and scandals.
"It is only the full implementation of this bill that will achieve that and the government will need to be brave and ignore the vested interests that will attempt to water it down as it progresses through Parliament.
"We will work with the government, challenge them and hold them to account and deliver on the promise to enact the Hillsborough Law."