Don't water down Hillsborough Law

Fury after security services get a say

- BY SUSIE BONIFACE

HILLSBOROUGH families have reacted with fury over a new law to end official cover-ups, after suggestions the legislation has been ambushed by civil servants.

Keir Starmer has been told he risks dishonouring the 97 dead and "he will never be welcome in Liverpool again" if he lets the bill be watered down.

The Prime Minister swore to introduce anti-scandal legislation known as The Hillsborough Law, before the anniversary of the 1989 tragedy next month.

A draft of the bill has been passed around ministers for agreement, but alarm bells are ringing over changes suggested by the security services.

"It's a law full of loopholes," said a source. They added: "At Hillsborough, senior police officers stood over junior constables, tore up their statements and ordered them to lie.

"This bill sounds like it will guarantee more cover-ups."