More than 50 MPs demand PM keeps promise to deliver Hillsborough Law 'in full and without delay'
The Early Day Motion, tabled by Liverpool West Derby MP Ian Byrne – a Hillsborough survivor and the parliamentary lead for the Hillsborough Law Now campaign – highlights how the prime minister failed to meet his own 15 April 2025 deadline to introduce the law. That date marked the 36th anniversary of the disaster.
The motion also raises 'grave concern at reports that the Government intends to bring forward a weakened alternative bill, lacking the core principles and protections of the Hillsborough Law.'
Backed by cross-party support, the motion is co-sponsored by Liverpool Labour MPs Kim Johnson and Paula Barker.
Other people who signed the parliamentary motion include former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, Green Party co-leaders Carla Denyer and Adrian Ramsay, Plaid Cymru Westminster Leader Liz Saville Roberts, and Liberal Democrat Tom Morrison.
At the beginning of July, Byrne reintroduced the Hillsborough Law to Parliament as a private members' bill.
Officially named the Public Authority (Accountability) Bill, the legislation seeks to end the culture of state cover-ups – seen in scandals like Hillsborough and the infected blood inquiry – by creating a legal duty of candour for public officials and authorities, enforceable by criminal sanctions.
It also aims to ensure bereaved families receive equal legal representation.
First introduced to Parliament in 2017 by Andy Burnham, the bill was originally drafted by lawyers who represented Hillsborough families during the inquests and is endorsed by families and survivors of Hillsborough, as well as campaigners from other state-related scandals.
The Early Day Motion 'welcomes [Mr Byrne's] reintroduction of the Hillsborough Law' and 'calls on the Government to honour its word and the memory of the 97 lives lost at Hillsborough by enacting the Hillsborough Law in full, without delay.'
Byrne has expressed anger after the Government blocked his private members' bill.
He said he was 'bitterly disappointed' and, in response to reports that ministers may introduce a diluted version of the law ahead of Labour conference in Liverpool this September, warned: 'That would not just be a profound betrayal.
"Returning to Liverpool without first introducing the real Hillsborough Law – not a hollow substitute – would be a grave moral and political mistake.'
He added: 'But there is still time to do the right thing. I urge the Prime Minister: stand with victims of state cover-ups. Honour the 97.
"Fulfil your promise. Bring forward the Hillsborough Law before you return to Liverpool in September.'
When questioned on the issue at the Prime Minister's Questions by Liverpool Riverside MP Kim Johnson, Keir Starmer said: 'I just want to take the time to get [the Hillsborough Law] right and then put it before the House.'
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