Ian Byrne, a survivor of the 1989 Hillsborough disaster which claimed 97 lives, has called on Keir Starmer to back a new law placing a duty of candour on public officials to prevent state cover-ups
A Liverpool MP has warned Keir Starmer: “Back the Hillsborough Law – or break your promise”.
Ian Byrne, a survivor of the 1989 disaster, warned the PM not to risk “yet another betrayal” of families affected by the tragedy, which claimed 97 lives. He said a law aimed at preventing state-cover ups is ready to go, and said the PM must not ignore it, having promised to put it on the statute books.
Mr Byrne, Labour MP for Liverpool West Derby, urged the PM to back his private members’ bill, the Public Authority (Accountability) Bill. In a video message posted on social media he said: “The Hillsborough Law is here. It’s ready to go. Keir Starmer now faces a choice: support this Bill and keep your word – or block it and break your promise.”
He ended with a powerful appeal: “For the 97. For every victim of state cover-ups. For truth. For justice.”
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There is growing frustration that the law – which would force public servants to tell the truth and proactively co-operate with inquiries and investigations – is not already on the statue books. Mr Byrne’s Bill would also ensure victims of disasters or state-related deaths get the same legal support as taxpayer-funded bodies.
Earlier this month, Mr Starmer said: “We will bring this forward – I just want to take the time to get it right.” He had previously pledged to put the law before Parliament by the anniversary of the disaster in April.
MPs including Labour’s Kim Johnson have voiced fears that when the legislation does appear it will be “watered down”.
Asked if the PM would back Mr Byrne’s bill, his official spokesman said: “I’m not going to get ahead of business in the house later today, but Hillsborough is one of the greatest stains in our history.
“And for decades, the Hillsborough families have campaigned to make sure a disaster like this is never allowed to happen again.
“We are fully committed to bringing in a Hillsborough law, including a legal duty of Canada for public servants and criminal sanctions for those who fail to comply.
“We’re keeping families and campaign groups updated as we work to bring in the best version of this legislation.”
It’s understood the Government is not expected to support Mr Byrne’s bill as it is continuing work to bring in its own legislation.
The fatal crush at the Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield happened during an FA Cup semi final match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest. Although five charges were brought, including against the police commander responsible on the day, there have been no successful prosecutions.
In 2021 former Leader of the Commons, Jacob Rees-Mogg branded it “the greatest scandal of British policing of our lifetimes”. Two forces, South Yorkshire and West Midlands Police, paid damages to over 600 people over the cover-up that followed the tragedy.
False information was released blaming Liverpool fans following the disaster, and a string of policing failures were subsequently hidden from the public eye.
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