A bill to establish the Hillsborough Law is not anticipated to return to Parliament until after the summer recess, according to reports from the BBC. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy indicated that the bill might come back to the House "in the coming days," but sources have confirmed it is unlikely before MPs leave on July 16.
Background on the Hillsborough Law
The proposed Hillsborough Law aims to mandate public officials to provide truthful accounts during inquiries and investigations. This legislation is a response to the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, which resulted in the unlawful deaths of 97 Liverpool fans during an FA Cup semi-final match against Nottingham Forest. The tragedy was compounded by police misinformation blaming the fans and withholding critical evidence.
Fresh inquests in 2016 concluded that police actions contributed to the deaths, leading to public outcry for accountability. The Hillsborough Law seeks to prevent such failures in the future by enforcing a legal duty of candour among public officials.
Current Status of the Legislation
Efforts to pass the Hillsborough Law have faced challenges, particularly regarding amendments that would allow intelligence services to opt out of compliance. Campaigners have expressed concerns that such provisions could undermine the law's intent. Recently, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Daisy Cooper, raised these issues in the Commons, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive law that includes security services.
