Council boss pays tribute to families and politicians as landmark Bill finally passes House of Commons
Hillsborough Anniversary as Liverpool Remembers the 97. Photo by Colin Lane
Hillsborough Anniversary as Liverpool Remembers the 97. Photo by Colin Lane(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
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The passing of the Hillsborough Law through the House of Commons was a “milestone day” for Liverpool, according to the leader of the city council. After years of fighting and campaigning by bereaved families who refused to give in, the Public Office (Accountability) Bill passed the Third Reading stage in Parliament yesterday.
The new legislation, which aims to ensure that no families go through what the Hillsborough families did in their decades-long battle for truth and justice, will introduce a legally-bound duty of candour to force public officials to act with honesty and transparency during inquests and investigations. It still must go through the House of Lords in the autumn before officially becoming law.
Addressing the city council’s cabinet as the law was put to members of Parliament yesterday evening (Tuesday, July 14), Cllr Liam Robinson said there was a sense of relief the Bill had finally got through the House. Outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer had pledged to bring in a new Hillsborough Law when he was leader of the opposition. He repeated this pledge as Prime Minister after the legislation was included in Labour’s election-winning manifesto in 2024.
It had been intended to be enacted by the 36th anniversary of the disaster but became bogged down in rows over the role of the security services and potential “carve outs” for MI5 and MI6.
Cllr Liam Robinson, chair of the LCRs transport committee
Cllr Liam Robinson, leader of Liverpool Council and Kensington ward member(Image: Copyright Unknown)
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Addressing cabinet colleagues, Cllr Robinson touched on the significance of such a major breakthrough.
He said: “Today (Tuesday) I believe is a milestone day for this city and this country in the fact the Hillsborough Law in full was entered into the House of Commons.
“Right across this city, we’ve always very strongly believed that this legislation is absolutely vital, not just for our city but for everyone right across the United Kingdom.
“I think everyone in this city is both relieved and also pleased the Hillsborough Law in full is now entering into Parliament and will proceed through its legislative process.” Cllr Robinson paid tribute to the efforts of the city’s MPs including Ian Byrne and Maria Eagle.
Andy Burnham speaking during the debate on the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, known as the Hillsborough Law, in the House of Commons, Westminster.
Andy Burnham speaking during the debate on the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, known as the Hillsborough Law, in the House of Commons, Westminster. (Image: House of Commons/UK Parliament/PA Wire)
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He also thanked Sir Keir for his commitment to delivering the Bill and his impending successor Andy Burnham and Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram for their work on the legislation. Cllr Robinson reserved his most fulsome praise for one group in particular.
He said: “Most importantly, our thanks should always be with the Hillsborough families, all the survivors and all the campaigners for all of their fight in getting us to this point. They are the ones who always deserve the greatest amount of thanks on this process for all of their fight.”
The Labour group leader said while the new law would not bring back the 97, it would be a “fitting tribute” to them to ensure any future disasters and any state sponsored cover-ups that have gone before can never happen again.
He added: “We look forward to that legislation proceeding through Parliament and then getting to full royal assent in the months ahead.”