Labour Party Pledges to Introduce Hillsborough Law in Manifesto
The upcoming UK general election on July 4 has brought forth various promises from political parties. Among them, the Labour Party, the main opposition party, has included the introduction of a Hillsborough Law in their manifesto, as reported by the Liverpool Echo. This declaration signifies their commitment to pushing through this new law if they win the election and gain power.
The Hillsborough Law Now campaign, which advocates for this legislation, aims to establish a legal duty of candour on public authorities and officials. This duty would require them to tell the truth and actively cooperate with official investigations and inquiries, thus ending the distressing pattern of cover-ups and concealment. Additionally, the proposed law seeks to ensure that victims of disasters or state-related deaths have equal access to legal representation during inquests and inquiries. By providing bereaved families with public funding for legal support, this measure aims to rectify the current imbalance.
While the inclusion of the Hillsborough Law in Labour’s manifesto is undoubtedly a positive development, it does not guarantee its passage in parliament. Manifesto policies are often left unfulfilled once a party comes into power. However, journalist Liam Thorp highlights that the manifesto acknowledges the need to address historical injustices endured by victims. It specifically mentions the Infected Blood Inquiry, Grenfell Inquiry, and Covid-19 Inquiry as areas where Labour intends to act swiftly and respond to findings.
It is worth noting that the Conservative Government, in power at present, did not introduce the Hillsborough Law when given the opportunity in late 2023. Their reasoning was that they were not aware of any legislative gaps or clarifications necessary to encourage a culture of candour among public servants. They also expressed concerns about potential conflicts and confusion arising from adopting the duty of candour within the existing framework of duties and obligations.
While the Labour Party’s pledge to introduce the Hillsborough Law brings renewed hope for the campaign, it is important to address the ongoing controversy surrounding Labour leader Keir Starmer’s association with the Sun newspaper. This association has caused a rift among Liverpool supporters and the city’s residents, as the Sun newspaper has been widely criticized for its coverage of the Hillsborough disaster.
In conclusion, the inclusion of the Hillsborough Law in the Labour Party’s manifesto is a significant step towards seeking justice for victims and their families. However, its passage in parliament remains uncertain, given the track record of unfulfilled manifesto promises. Furthermore, addressing the concerns regarding Keir Starmer’s ties to the Sun newspaper will be crucial in healing the divisions within the Liverpool community.