In a historic development, Members of Parliament have approved the long-anticipated Hillsborough law, marking a significant shift in the balance of power between the state and its citizens. This legislation, championed by Andy Burnham, the newly returned MP and former mayor of Greater Manchester, promises to enhance accountability for public officials in the wake of tragedies such as the Hillsborough disaster. The bill’s passage represents a rare display of unity within the Labour Party, solidifying Keir Starmer’s commitment to a more just and accountable government.
A Momentous Shift in Public Accountability
Burnham, who has tirelessly advocated for the families affected by the Hillsborough tragedy, articulated the profound implications of the bill during his address in the Commons. “We have had a situation in this country where people suffer the trauma of the initial bereavement, the incident that took their loved ones away, and then they are re-traumatised by the behaviour of the state,” he stated. His powerful words underscored the necessity of this law, which aims to ensure that public officials are held accountable for their actions, particularly in the aftermath of public disasters.
The new legislation, formally known as the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, mandates a duty of candour for public officials. This means that individuals who provide false information or evade inquiries during investigations into tragedies could face prosecution. Burnham described the bill as a “rewiring of the state,” suggesting that its implications extend beyond Hillsborough, addressing broader issues of institutional self-preservation at the expense of public trust.
A Long Road to Legislation
The journey to the bill’s passage has been fraught with challenges, particularly following a breakdown in relations between the government and the families advocating for the law early this year. Disagreements arose over a proposed exemption for serving intelligence officers, which families feared could lead to further cover-ups. In a bid to resolve the impasse, senior government officials, including Starmer, engaged in extensive discussions with security services, leading to a compromise that satisfied the families’ demands without compromising national security.
This compromise was crucial for the bill’s progression, with the Home Office and security services initially expressing concerns about how the duty of candour would apply to intelligence personnel. However, the recent agreement, allowing inquiry chairs to assess requests for withholding evidence due to national security concerns, was a critical factor in moving forward. Burnham’s determination to see the bill passed before the end of Starmer’s term illustrates his commitment to this cause, which he has supported since his earlier attempt to introduce similar legislation in 2017.
Voices of the Families
The families of Hillsborough victims, as well as those affected by other tragedies, have welcomed the bill’s passage, viewing it as a victory for ordinary people. In a statement, campaigners including Margaret Aspinall, whose son was among the 96 who lost their lives in the 1989 disaster, expressed their determination: “We did not stay silent, we were not ground down, we were not afraid to speak truth to power.” This legislation is not merely a legal framework but a cultural shift in how bereaved families are treated by the state, fostering a climate of respect and accountability.
In addition to the duty of candour, the bill also introduces a significant expansion of legal aid for bereaved families, amounting to £185 million—the largest increase in a decade. Justice Minister Sarah Sackman emphasised the importance of access to justice, stating, “A massive expansion in legal aid accompanying the law will empower people, whatever their means, to hold authorities to account.”
Why it Matters
The passage of the Hillsborough law signifies more than just a legislative achievement; it represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle for justice and accountability in British governance. By ensuring that public officials cannot evade responsibility, this law empowers citizens, particularly those who have suffered unimaginable losses. It signals a commitment to a government that prioritises the voices of the bereaved over institutional self-interest. As the nation reflects on this development, it is clear that the fight for accountability is far from over, but this landmark legislation sets a crucial precedent for the future of public trust in government institutions.
