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Liverpool MP Ian Byrne has expressed concerns over a diluted Hillsborough Law that lacks the crucial requirement for public officials to be truthful during major inquiries. Byrne emphasized that this alteration would deviate significantly from the original promise made. The Labour representative has urged Sir Keir Starmer to uphold the “duty of candour” provision, which was reportedly omitted from a preliminary version of the legislation. Initially slated for introduction by the prime minister in April to commemorate the 36th anniversary of the tragic 1989 disaster, the deadline for the bill’s implementation was missed.
Addressing Parliament recently, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner reiterated the government’s dedication to the Hillsborough Law, highlighting the paramount importance of ensuring its accuracy and effectiveness. Among the proposals outlined in the legislation are mandates for public servants to convey the truth and supply legal aid to individuals impacted by state-related catastrophes. Former Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, upon assuming office as prime minister, pledged to instate a Hillsborough Law that includes a “duty of candour,” stressing its significance in averting cover-ups akin to the infected blood and Post Office scandals.
In a letter to the prime minister, Ian Byrne raised alarms regarding a draft of the bill circulated to legal practitioners in March, asserting that crucial promises were absent from the document. Byrne cautioned that a bill lacking the duty of candour clause would not garner the backing of the Hillsborough families and other victims of state concealment. The Liverpool West Derby MP also voiced concerns about potential exemptions for certain investigations and public bodies, further complicating the legislation’s efficacy. It is crucial to navigate this legislative process meticulously to ensure justice and transparency prevail.
The Hillsborough Law seeks to compel public entities to cooperate fully with probes into significant disasters, particularly the 1989 Hillsborough tragedy where 97 fans lost their lives due to a fatal crush during an FA Cup semi-final. Recognizing the enormity of the disaster’s aftermath, government officials emphasize the importance of rectifying past wrongs and ensuring accountability for those responsible. The fight for justice and the push for systemic change are ongoing, underscoring the necessity of enacting legislation that upholds truth-telling obligations for public servants and imposes penalties for non-compliance
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