Labour manifesto confirms commitment to Hillsborough Law

A Hillsborough Law would be introduced under a Labour government, the party has pledged in its manifesto.

Leader Sir Keir Starmer had re-affirmed in April, on the 35th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster, his commitment to bringing in the law.

Campaigners have been calling for new legislation to prevent the experiences of families of the 97 Liverpool fans who were killed in the 1989 Hillsborough disaster happening again, and to help victims of other scandals to get justice.

In its manifesto, published on Thursday, the party said: “Labour will introduce a ‘Hillsborough Law’ which will place a legal duty of candour on public servants and authorities, and provide legal aid for victims of disasters or state-related deaths.”

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The party said “too many victims of historical injustices have had insult added to injury by years of legal delays”.

A report published in May by Parliament’s Joint Committee on Human Rights (JCHR) found “institutional defensiveness” remained a problem and recommended the Government consider introducing a statutory duty of candour for all public bodies.

The Labour Party also pledged to

– act on the findings of the Infected Blood Inquiry, and respond to the findings of the Grenfell Inquiry and the Covid-19 Inquiry “to ensure swift resolution”

– ensure the victims of the “appalling” Windrush scandal have their voices heard, that the compensation scheme is run effectively, and a new Windrush commissioner is appointed

– ensure, through an investigation or inquiry, “that the truth about the events at Orgreave comes to light”.

Campaigners have also been calling for a national oversight mechanism, described by Grenfell United as an independent public body responsible for collating, analysing and following up on recommendations from inquiries into state-related deaths.

Lawyer Elkan Abrahamson, director of Hillsborough Law Now, described the manifesto commitment as “a seminal moment” for the campaign “as it shows Labour’s commitment to adopting the law which we and victims believe is so desperately needed”.

But he added: “A Hillsborough law while welcome is only part of the picture.

“There is also need for whistleblower protection and for a national oversight mechanism, without which recommendations from costly inquiries are simply ignored.”

The Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign welcomed the commitment to a probe into violent clashes between striking miners and police at Orgreave in South Yorkshire in June 1984.

A spokesperson said: “We hope this commitment finally delivers the truth and justice which has been delayed for 40 years and that the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign have a voice in the way the investigation is structured and run so we can ensure the whole truth is understood and recognised.”