Hillsborough Law to prevent cover-ups ‘must be all or nothing’, campaigners say
ITV
Published Tuesday 8 April 2025
A promised law named in honour of the Hillsborough victims and aimed at preventing cover-ups must be “all or nothing”, campaigners say as the anniversary of the disaster approaches.
Legislation presented to Parliament must be “without dilution or caveat” the Inquest charity said, after concerns were raised among some that the law might be watered down.
Other major campaign groups including Grenfell United and Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice (CBFFJ) have backed the call.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has previously pledged to introduce the so-called “Hillsborough Law” before this year’s anniversary of the tragedy, which took place on 15 April 1989.
The law campaigners want to introduce a legal duty of candour on public authorities and officials to tell the truth and proactively co-operate with official investigations and inquiries – with the potential for criminal sanctions for officials or organisations which mislead or obstruct investigations.
In March, it was reported that a meeting between Sir Keir and campaigners had been cancelled, with claims officials were attempting to have the contents of a bill watered down.