Hillsborough Law shows ‘true power belongs to ordinary people’

He said it had been a “truly remarkable collective effort”, also thanking Andy Burnham MP and Ian Byrne MP “for their unwavering support throughout”, as well as his fellow directors of the Hillsborough Law Now campaign “especially Pete Weatherby KC, whose relentless determination to ensure this legislation remained true to its original intent never wavered” and his colleagues at Broudie Jackson Canter.

“While there is still work to do, I hope this week marks the beginning of a new chapter – one in which honesty, accountability and transparency become the standards the public should always expect from those who serve them.”

David Greene, of Edwin Coe LLP which represented over 600 survivors, victims, and families of the Hillsborough tragedy, said: “This is, of course, not just about Hillsborough but about setting standards for all public authorities.

“Victims and families, many of whom are still embroiled in litigation with the police, had to battle over many years against authorities to get to the truth. Hillsborough Law should go some way to ensuring that battle was not in vain.”

Bishop James Jones, who chaired the Hillsborough Independent Panel, external said the law was “a triumph for ordinary people who believe in truth, accountability and justice”.

He added: “The Prime Minister has rightly paid tribute to the families and survivors of the Hillsborough disaster and their dignified tenacity over 37 years, but without his own resolve this bill would not be going through Parliament.

“The families have always said that this is not just about honouring the 97, it is about changing the culture of the nation.”

Sioux Vosper, of Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice, said it was a “landmark moment for everyone who has had to fight the state for answers and accountability”.

She said Covid-bereaved families “should never have had to push public bodies to disclose the truth about decisions that cost lives”.

She added: “This law will help prevent others being forced into the same exhausting battle with powerful institutions.”