'Law belongs to the families of Hillsborough'

THE Labour government's Minister for Victims said "we must keep Hillsborough Law strong to honour the 97" on the day the historic Bill will be debated in Parliament for the first time.

- By PATRICK EDRICH

The Public Office (Accountability) Bill, known as Hillsborough Law because of the dedication and sacrifices of those who have campaigned for justice in memory of their loved ones, will have its second reading in Parliament today (Monday), having been formally introduced in September.

Sir Keir Starmer had previously pledged to bring it before Parliament by the 36th anniversary of the tragedy in April, but Downing Street said more time was needed to redraft it, with campaigners concerned that the Bill's contents had been diluted and would not include a legal duty of candour.

The Bill is intended to make sure authorities face criminal sanctions if they attempt to cover up the facts behind disasters with state involvement.

Ahead of Monday's debate, Labour's Minister for Victims Alex Davies-Jones MP (above) said the bill must be kept strong to honour the memory of the 97.