Latest news with #PublicAuthority(Accountability)Bill
ITV News
14-07-2025
- Politics
- ITV News
More than 50 MPs demand PM keeps promise to deliver Hillsborough Law 'in full and without delay'
More than 50 MPs from eight political parties have signed a parliamentary motion urging the prime minister to deliver on his promise to introduce the so-called Hillsborough Law. 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.'
Daily Mirror
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
MP challenges Keir Starmer over Hillsborough Law as anger grows over delay
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.' 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.
South Wales Guardian
02-07-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Guardian
Labour MP reintroduces bid for Hillsborough Law after campaign stalls
Ian Byrne (Liverpool West Derby) was at the disaster aged 16 in 1989, which led to the deaths of 97 football fans during the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at the football ground in Sheffield. The MP introduced a Public Authority (Accountability) Bill centred around a duty of candour which would force public bodies to co-operate with official inquiries and tell the truth after major disasters – or face criminal sanctions. The Government had introduced a similar Bill which was criticised by campaigners and legal experts for not having a legally binding duty of candour. It was pulled over concerns related to who the duty of candour would apply to. Campaigners fear another Bill could be reintroduced that would still be insufficient as it would not be shared with families beforehand. Mr Byrne said: 'Little did I, or anybody there that day, know that we were walking into a national disaster that would leave 97 men, women and children dead, hundreds more injured and countless families devastated for generations. 'What unfolded that day was not a tragic accident. It was a disaster caused by police failures, and compounded by one of the most shameful state cover-ups this country has ever seen.' Sir Keir Starmer was accused by Mr Byrne of breaking a pledge he had made twice on the issue. Labour had said the Bill would be passed before the latest anniversary of the tragedy in April, but that was missed. Mr Byrne said: 'In 2022, Keir Starmer stood before the people of Liverpool at the Labour Party conference and pledged, and I quote, 'One of my first acts as prime minister will be to put the Hillsborough Law on the statue book'. 'He said the same again as Prime Minister in September 2024, not a Hillsborough law, the Hillsborough Law. That pledge filled our hearts with hope, it promised an end to the culture of denial and delay and decades of deceit. And make no mistake, this today is the Hillsborough Law.' Sir Keir was asked about the issue at Prime Minister's Questions, before Mr Byrne spoke in Parliament. Labour MP for Liverpool Riverside Kim Johnson and Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey accused the Government of planning to table a 'watered-down' Bill. The Prime Minister said he had been speaking to families personally about what would come forward. 'This is a really serious issue, it is important that we get it right,' he said. 'I am fully committed to introducing a Hillsborough Law, including a legal duty of candour for public servants and criminal sanctions for those that refuse to comply. 'We will bring this forward, I just want to take the time to get it right and then put it before the House.' Mr Byrne's father was in the public gallery to see his son's Bill presented, alongside fellow campaigners for a Hillsborough law. He was seriously injured in the disaster and had to crowdfund in pubs near Anfield to raise money for the campaign. His son, who has been an MP in Liverpool since 2019, said: 'The law cannot bring back the 97, it cannot erase the decades of pain, nor undo the trauma inflicted by callous lies and institutional neglect. 'But it can stop this from ever happening again, it can give truth, a fight for justice, and restore some of the faith lost, not just in the system but in the very idea of justice. 'So today can I say loud and clear to the Prime Minister, don't let this moment slip away. Don't let your promise made in Liverpool be broken in Westminster. 'Let us honour the 97 and so many others, not just with remembrance, but with change.'
North Wales Chronicle
02-07-2025
- Politics
- North Wales Chronicle
Labour MP reintroduces bid for Hillsborough Law after campaign stalls
Ian Byrne (Liverpool West Derby) was at the disaster aged 16 in 1989, which led to the deaths of 97 football fans during the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at the football ground in Sheffield. The MP introduced a Public Authority (Accountability) Bill centred around a duty of candour which would force public bodies to co-operate with official inquiries and tell the truth after major disasters – or face criminal sanctions. The Government had introduced a similar Bill which was criticised by campaigners and legal experts for not having a legally binding duty of candour. It was pulled over concerns related to who the duty of candour would apply to. Campaigners fear another Bill could be reintroduced that would still be insufficient as it would not be shared with families beforehand. Mr Byrne said: 'Little did I, or anybody there that day, know that we were walking into a national disaster that would leave 97 men, women and children dead, hundreds more injured and countless families devastated for generations. 'What unfolded that day was not a tragic accident. It was a disaster caused by police failures, and compounded by one of the most shameful state cover-ups this country has ever seen.' Sir Keir Starmer was accused by Mr Byrne of breaking a pledge he had made twice on the issue. Labour had said the Bill would be passed before the latest anniversary of the tragedy in April, but that was missed. Mr Byrne said: 'In 2022, Keir Starmer stood before the people of Liverpool at the Labour Party conference and pledged, and I quote, 'One of my first acts as prime minister will be to put the Hillsborough Law on the statue book'. 'He said the same again as Prime Minister in September 2024, not a Hillsborough law, the Hillsborough Law. That pledge filled our hearts with hope, it promised an end to the culture of denial and delay and decades of deceit. And make no mistake, this today is the Hillsborough Law.' Sir Keir was asked about the issue at Prime Minister's Questions, before Mr Byrne spoke in Parliament. Labour MP for Liverpool Riverside Kim Johnson and Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey accused the Government of planning to table a 'watered-down' Bill. The Prime Minister said he had been speaking to families personally about what would come forward. 'This is a really serious issue, it is important that we get it right,' he said. 'I am fully committed to introducing a Hillsborough Law, including a legal duty of candour for public servants and criminal sanctions for those that refuse to comply. 'We will bring this forward, I just want to take the time to get it right and then put it before the House.' Mr Byrne's father was in the public gallery to see his son's Bill presented, alongside fellow campaigners for a Hillsborough law. He was seriously injured in the disaster and had to crowdfund in pubs near Anfield to raise money for the campaign. His son, who has been an MP in Liverpool since 2019, said: 'The law cannot bring back the 97, it cannot erase the decades of pain, nor undo the trauma inflicted by callous lies and institutional neglect. 'But it can stop this from ever happening again, it can give truth, a fight for justice, and restore some of the faith lost, not just in the system but in the very idea of justice. 'So today can I say loud and clear to the Prime Minister, don't let this moment slip away. Don't let your promise made in Liverpool be broken in Westminster. 'Let us honour the 97 and so many others, not just with remembrance, but with change.'
Powys County Times
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Powys County Times
Labour MP reintroduces bid for Hillsborough Law after campaign stalls
A Labour MP who was at the Hillsborough disaster has renewed the efforts of campaigners to introduce a 'Hillsborough Law' which would aim to prevent cover-ups after major disasters, as he accused the Prime Minister of inaction. Ian Byrne (Liverpool West Derby) was at the disaster aged 16 in 1989, which led to the deaths of 97 football fans during the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at the football ground in Sheffield. The MP introduced a Public Authority (Accountability) Bill centred around a duty of candour which would force public bodies to co-operate with official inquiries and tell the truth after major disasters – or face criminal sanctions. The Government had introduced a similar Bill which was criticised by campaigners and legal experts for not having a legally binding duty of candour. It was pulled over concerns related to who the duty of candour would apply to. Campaigners fear another Bill could be reintroduced that would still be insufficient as it would not be shared with families beforehand. Mr Byrne said: 'Little did I, or anybody there that day, know that we were walking into a national disaster that would leave 97 men, women and children dead, hundreds more injured and countless families devastated for generations. 'What unfolded that day was not a tragic accident. It was a disaster caused by police failures, and compounded by one of the most shameful state cover-ups this country has ever seen.' Sir Keir Starmer was accused by Mr Byrne of breaking a pledge he had made twice on the issue. Labour had said the Bill would be passed before the latest anniversary of the tragedy in April, but that was missed. Mr Byrne said: 'In 2022, Keir Starmer stood before the people of Liverpool at the Labour Party conference and pledged, and I quote, 'One of my first acts as prime minister will be to put the Hillsborough Law on the statue book'. 'He said the same again as Prime Minister in September 2024, not a Hillsborough law, the Hillsborough Law. That pledge filled our hearts with hope, it promised an end to the culture of denial and delay and decades of deceit. And make no mistake, this today is the Hillsborough Law.' Sir Keir was asked about the issue at Prime Minister's Questions, before Mr Byrne spoke in Parliament. Labour MP for Liverpool Riverside Kim Johnson and Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey accused the Government of planning to table a 'watered-down' Bill. The Prime Minister said he had been speaking to families personally about what would come forward. 'This is a really serious issue, it is important that we get it right,' he said. 'I am fully committed to introducing a Hillsborough Law, including a legal duty of candour for public servants and criminal sanctions for those that refuse to comply. 'We will bring this forward, I just want to take the time to get it right and then put it before the House.' Mr Byrne's father was in the public gallery to see his son's Bill presented, alongside fellow campaigners for a Hillsborough law. He was seriously injured in the disaster and had to crowdfund in pubs near Anfield to raise money for the campaign. His son, who has been an MP in Liverpool since 2019, said: 'The law cannot bring back the 97, it cannot erase the decades of pain, nor undo the trauma inflicted by callous lies and institutional neglect. 'But it can stop this from ever happening again, it can give truth, a fight for justice, and restore some of the faith lost, not just in the system but in the very idea of justice. 'So today can I say loud and clear to the Prime Minister, don't let this moment slip away. Don't let your promise made in Liverpool be broken in Westminster. 'Let us honour the 97 and so many others, not just with remembrance, but with change.'
