A Liverpool MP has said introducing a weakened Hillsborough Law without the requirement for public officials to tell the truth at major inquiries would be a "mistake" and "fall far short of what was promised". Labour's Ian Byrne has written to Sir Keir Starmer to demand a "duty of candour" obligation was not droppedamid fears it had been removedfrom a draft version of the bill. The prime minister had pledged to introduce the law by April for the 36th anniversary of the 1989 disaster, but the deadline was missed. A government spokesperson said, having consulted with campaign groups, it knew "more time" was needed to draft the "best version of a Hillsborough Law". Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner told MPs last weekthe government remained committed to the billand the "focus is on getting the legislation right". Proposals for the law include a legal responsibility for public servants to tell the truth, and to provide legal funding to those affected by state-related disasters. When he became prime minister last year,Sir Keir Starmer said:"one of my first acts would be to bring in a Hillsborough Law - a duty of candour". He previously said while Labour leader that the law would help prevent cover-ups like the infected blood and Post Office scandals. In his letter to the prime minister, Byrne said a draft version of the billshown to lawyers in Marchdid not include any of these key pledges. "In particular it did not contain a duty of candour, merely an aspirational objective," he said. He said a bill without this "will not command the support of Hillsborough families, nor other victims of state cover-ups". Byrne, who represents Liverpool West Derby, said there were also concerns the obligation to be truthful would be "applied only to some investigations" and some public bodies could be exempt. Byrne said attempts to replace the bill with "wholly deficient and ineffective redrafts are led by those who are most likely to be affected. "Senior civil servants and public institutions who want to retain their impunity in protecting their reputations above telling the truth." He called on the prime minister "not to pass up this opportunity to achieve generational culture change". Liam Robertson, Labour leader of Liverpool City Council, toldBBC Politics North Weston Sunday: "The government has to get this right, we all have to get this right and that's why it has to be the Hillsborough Law in full, as supported by the Hillsborough families." A government spokesperson said the Hillsborough disaster was "one of the greatest stains on British history". "The families of those who lost loved ones have shown endless determination to get justice," they said. "We remain fully committed to bringing in this legislation at pace, which will include a legal duty of candour for public servants and criminal sanctions for those who refuse to comply." Listen to the best ofBBC Radio Merseyside on Soundsand follow BBC Merseyside onFacebook,X, andInstagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Families 'will not support' weakened Hillsborough Law
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"MP Critiques Proposed Weakened Hillsborough Law Amid Calls for Full Accountability"
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TruthLens AI Summary
A Liverpool MP has voiced strong opposition to a proposed weakened version of the Hillsborough Law, emphasizing that omitting the requirement for public officials to provide truthful accounts during major inquiries would constitute a significant error. Labour MP Ian Byrne has reached out to Sir Keir Starmer, urging that the 'duty of candour'—a crucial aspect of the law—should not be eliminated from the legislative draft. This call comes amid concerns that a draft presented to legal representatives in March did not include this essential provision, which Byrne argues is vital for securing the support of Hillsborough families and other victims of state cover-ups. The Prime Minister had initially promised that the law would be enacted by April to coincide with the 36th anniversary of the tragic 1989 disaster, yet that timeline has now been missed. A government spokesperson has acknowledged the need for additional time to refine the bill, stating that consultations with campaign groups are ongoing to ensure the legislation is comprehensive and effective.
In his letter, Byrne articulated his fears that the proposed legislation could fall short of its intended goals, particularly if obligations to tell the truth were only applied selectively or if certain public entities were granted exemptions. He criticized efforts to dilute the bill, suggesting that such attempts are driven by those in positions of power who seek to protect their interests rather than serve the public good. Byrne's concerns echo sentiments expressed by other local leaders, such as Liverpool City Council's Labour leader Liam Robertson, who insisted that the law must fully reflect the wishes of the Hillsborough families. The government has reiterated its commitment to introducing the Hillsborough Law, which would impose a legal duty of candour on public servants and establish penalties for non-compliance. This reflects a recognition of the ongoing struggles faced by the families of the victims, who have shown relentless determination in their pursuit of justice following one of the darkest chapters in British history.
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