Liverpool remembers the 97 victims of the Hillsborough disaster,at a service in Exchange Flags.
Liverpool remembers the 97 victims of the Hillsborough disaster at a service in Exchange Flags on April 15, 2026(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
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Liverpool fell silent this afternoon to mark the 37th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster. Poignant tributes were held across the city to honour the 97 Liverpool fans who were unlawfully killed at an FA Cup Semi-Final at Hillsborough Stadium on April 15, 1989.
In Exchange Square, hundreds gathered to mark a minute's silence at 3.06pm, marking the exact time the match was halted as the tragic scenes in the stadium's Leppings Lane end unfolded.
This was followed by the sound of the bell at Liverpool Town Hall chiming 97 times, in honour of those who died. Lord Mayor Cllr Barbara Murray led the tributes, stood beside council leader Liam Robinson.
Elsewhere, at St George's Plateau, people laid flowers, while large screens displayed a message of "97 Never Forgotten."
A bus seen in the area changed its usual destination messaging to read: "Remembering the 97. You'll Never Walk Alone."
Liverpool remembers the 97 victims of the Hillsborough disaster,at a service in Exchange Flags.
Liverpool remembers the 97 victims of the Hillsborough disaster,at a service in Exchange Flags.(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
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While today is of course a day of reflection for all those affected by the Hillsborough disaster, there is continuing frustration that a new Hillsborough Law, promised by the Prime Minister, is not yet in place.
Asked by Hillsborough survivor and Liverpool West Derby MP Ian Byrne about the fact the new law is not yet in place, an entire year after he had promised it would be on the statute books.
"37 years ago today, 97 innocent children, women and men went to a football match and were unlawfully killed at the hands of a corrupt state. I was at Hillsborough and I was one of the lucky ones who survived and walked away.
"As Parliamentary lead for the Hillsborough Law, I stand here with a huge sense of obligation to the 97, all the families, including my constituent Debbie Matthews, every survivor and every victim of a state cover up who are all part of this collective campaign."
The MP said that while there are signs of progress towards ending the current stalemate in negotiations over the new law, those involved "have heard this before".
He added: "Prime Minister, this is your responsibility, it is in your power to take control of this process and make good on your promise to deliver this legislation.
Hillsborough Anniversary as Liverpool Remembers the 97.
Hillsborough Anniversary as Liverpool Remembers the 97.(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
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"So will you commit today to ruling out any carve out for security services and finally delivering a full Hillsborough Law, worthy of the name, or will they be failed by the state once again?"
Responding, the Prime Minister thanked Mr Byrne and praised him for his decades of campaigning for Hillsborough justice.
He added: "I am personally committed to working with the families to get this bill right, it is integral that their views are heard. We are discussing this precise issue with the families and I will make sure that he is updated.
"I reaffirm my commitment to delivering the legislation, to ensuring the duty of candour applies to all public servants."