'We've pushed hard to get the law the families want...we're not going to water it down now

PRIME Minister Keir Starmer gave his word to the ECHO that the Hillsborough Law will not be watered down on a momentous day in British history.

- By LIAM THORP, RYAN PATON

A Hillsborough Law Bill, that will fundamentally change how the country operates, was laid in Parliament yesterday, after decades of tireless campaigning by the families of the 97 Liverpool fans who died as a result of the 1989 Hillsborough Disaster.

The Government has said the landmark legislation will "end the culture of cover ups" as the significant package of measures will hold public officials and authorities accountable for their actions with a new professional and legal duty of candour.

This means they must act with honesty and integrity at all times or face criminal sanctions.

The Prime Minister met with a delegation from the families at Downing Street yesterday morning and reiterated his vow that the package of measures will not be watered down when it becomes legislation.

Speaking to the ECHO after the meeting, he said: "I made it very clear to them we've worked hard to get to where we are with this law. Yes, there's been constant battles. They've been having these battles for years.

"But we have pushed through to get this law into a place where the families think it's the right law and we're not going to water it down now.

"What we need to do is get it onto the statute as quickly as possible."