Arne Slot Credit: PA Images/LFC X
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has expressed his surprise that the Hillsborough Law has still not been implemented, as the club prepares to mark 37 years since the disaster that claimed the lives of 97 fans.
Writing in the matchday programme for Liverpool’s Champions League fixture against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, 14 April, Slot paid a heartfelt tribute to the victims, survivors, and the bereaved families.
Since taking over as head coach, Slot revealed he has spent time learning about the 1989 tragedy, stating that the "passage of time does not make [the stories] any less moving."
The Dutchman backed the campaign for a Hillsborough Law, which would legally require public officials to tell the truth during inquiries and investigations.
"I have also been told about the campaign for a Hillsborough Law and having listened to the reasons and knowing the story behind them, it surprises me that this is still to be introduced," Slot wrote.
He emphasised that his support for the legislation transcends his role at Anfield: "This is not an opinion based on my association with Liverpool FC either.
"It is the view of someone who believes bereaved families should not have to fight and campaign for the truth about how their loved ones lost their lives, it should be provided as a matter of course."
Wednesday, 15 April, marks 37 years since the disaster.
Labour pledged to introduce a Hillsborough Law in its 2024 manifesto, but the legislation – formally known as the Public Office (Accountability) Bill – has stalled since it was introduced in September.
In 2025, the Government faced a row after proposing amendments that would see spies brought within the scope of the law, but only with the approval of the head of their services.
Campaigners warned that this could be used as a way of escaping the new “duty of candour” and the amendments were pulled, with reports now suggesting intelligence chiefs will have to make a court application for any disclosures to be exempted.
Asked about the Bill on Monday, Sir Keir Starmer reiterated his commitment to deliver on his promise to introduce a Hillsborough Law.
The Prime Minister said: “Obviously we’re working with the families and others on the final balance that we need to get right in the proposed legislation.
“But the duty of candour, the duty, basically, that public officials need to come forward and tell the truth – that’s a really important principle that drives me.
“So, we’ll keep working on this, it’s important to get it right… I’ve made a promise and I intend to act on that promise.”
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