Hillsborough Law set to be approved by MPs before summer break

Hillsborough survivor Ian Byrne MP, who has led the parliamentary campaign for the law, told the BBC: “I’m absolutely delighted, and above all relieved, that we have finally secured the Hillsborough Law.

“This is a lasting legacy for the 97, for the survivors, the bereaved families, and for every person who has suffered at the hands of the state and been denied truth and justice.”

Sources close to the discussions said Andy Burnham, the likely next prime minister and a long-standing supporter of the Hillsborough families and survivors, helped persuade ministers to allow the bill to proceed without the changes campaigners had feared.

Charlotte Hennessy, whose father James was among the 97 killed in the tragedy, was among the Hillsborough relatives who received a personal promise from Sir Keir Starmer that he would implement a Hillsborough Law as prime minister.

She told the BBC: “The prime minister made us a promise and he has fulfilled it, that is a clear testament to the man he is.

“A special thank you to Keir Starmer and Andy Burnham for pushing together to get this bill back on track.”

Alex Davies-Jones MP, who led the government’s work on the legislation before resigning as victims minister in May, said the bill has been “an unnecessary uphill battle”.

She told the BBC: “It is long overdue, but when it does finally reach royal assent it will totally change how victims and the public are treated.

“The bill is about honesty, accountability, respect and justice.

“It’s a legacy to all those who never gave up in their fight for truth, justice and accountability.”