Hillsborough law to be further delayed

The legislation known as the Hillsborough Law, initially slated for passage last year, is facing further postponement, according to information obtained by the BBC. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer had committed to enacting the law by 15 April 2025, coinciding with the 36th anniversary of the tragic football stadium disaster in 1989 that resulted in 97 fatalities.

This proposed law aims to establish a legal duty for public bodies to be transparent and cooperative during public inquiries. However, it will not be finalized before the current parliamentary session concludes in May. Government officials have indicated their intention to carry the bill forward into the next session, with campaigners hopeful it will be adopted in the autumn. Labour MPs, many of whom have actively campaigned for the legislation, acknowledge the delay but are urging the government to provide a clear timeline.

A significant sticking point emerged earlier this year, centering on the role of intelligence agencies in cooperating with public inquiries. A government amendment proposed granting agency heads the discretion to withhold cooperation if national security could be jeopardized. This raised concerns among campaigners, especially given past allegations that MI5 misled the inquiry into the Manchester Arena bombing. Leaders including Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram criticized the amendment for offering too broad an opt-out that would undermine the law’s intent.

Repeated discussions involving ministers, officials, bereaved families, and campaigners failed to produce a consensus, leading to a suspension of progress on the bill. Government insiders expressed worry that pressuring ahead without family support could provoke political backlash and potentially destabilize Sir Keir’s leadership. Liverpool West Derby MP Ian Byrne, who survived the tragedy and remains closely connected to the families, has proposed an alternative amendment designed to prevent intelligence agencies from misleading inquiries. Although this proposal has not been accepted, Byrne emphasized the urgent need for swift government action, declaring: “The government need to get their fingers out. Every single second of delay hurts the families. This is their legacy for those that they lost. It’s so important.

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