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In a solemn address to MPs, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer acknowledged that the British state failed the victims and families affected by the Hillsborough disaster, describing it as reaching an almost inhuman level of neglect. The tragedy, which claimed the lives of 97 Liverpool fans during an FA Cup semi-final in Sheffield on April 15, 1989, has left a lasting scar on the community. Sir Keir commended the unwavering dedication of campaigners, such as Margaret Aspinall, who tirelessly fought for justice and transparency.
The proposed Public Office (Accountability) Bill, also known as the Hillsborough Law, aims to enforce a duty of candour on public officials in the aftermath of future disasters. The necessity for such legislation became apparent during the new inquests held in 2016, which uncovered the lack of legal obligation for public authorities to cooperate and be transparent in similar circumstances. The Hillsborough families’ perseverance in seeking answers for decades played a crucial role in shaping this proposed law.
Sir Keir emphasized that the Hillsborough disaster was not merely a tragedy but an injustice compounded by a subsequent cover-up by the very institutions entrusted with protecting citizens. This pattern of injustice, as highlighted by Sir Keir, extends to other tragedies such as the Horizon scandal, Grenfell Tower fire, infected blood scandal, and grooming gangs. By acknowledging these systemic failures, the proposed legislation seeks to address historical injustices and ensure accountability moving forward.
During the parliamentary debate, Shadow justice minister Kieran Mullan stressed the importance of providing legal clarity to support the successful operation of the Bill. He raised concerns about potential challenges to government decisions that may arise and emphasized the need for careful consideration of the Bill’s terminology. Additionally, Liberal Democrat justice spokeswoman Jess Brown-Fuller advocated for extending the duty of candour to social media companies and strengthening whistleblowing protections, including establishing an independent office for whistleblowers
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