TODAY (September 16) sees the introduction into Parliament by the UK Government of the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, to be known as the Hillsborough Law. The news has been welcomed by Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for North Wales Andy Dunbobbin as a ‘momentous day in the fight for justice for victims and families’. The PCC has been a longstanding supporter of the law, which has been fought for by the families of victims of the Hillsborough Disaster – several of whom live in North Wales – for many years.
The law will seek to overcome a number of the criticisms of the original investigation into the Hillsborough Disaster, which resulted in the deaths of 97 Liverpool FC fans at the South Yorkshire stadium in 1989.
The new law will place a legal duty of candour on public officials and authorities to prevent coverups such as those seen in Hillsborough, as well as the Post Office-Horizon and Infected Blood scandals. Bereaved families will also have publicly funded legal representation at inquests, making sure both sides are on a fair and equal footing. There will also be a new offence for misleading the public.
PCC Andy Dunbobbin commented: “I am pleased to see the introduction of the Hillsborough Law into Parliament and I hope to see it become law as soon as possible. This was a manifesto pledge by the Prime Minister and he is now on the way to fulfilling his promise.
“The campaign for this law is one that I have long supported and I hope it will bring a measure of comfort to bereaved families in Liverpool, North Wales and beyond. I believe they will benefit from, and be reassured by, the law’s provisions.
“It is said that justice delayed is justice denied and I hope, even at this distance from the tragic events of 1989, that the appalling aftermath of the disaster and institutional failings that have led to this law will mean it will not now be repeated.
“Sadly Hillsborough is not alone among tragedies we’ve seen where justice has been delayed. In the intervening years, we have seen the Windrush scandal, the infected blood scandal, the tragedy of Grenfell Tower, and the appalling Post Office-Horizon scandal – the fightback against which started in North Wales with Sir Alan Bates.
“This litany of scandals has seen, on occasion, at the very least a lack of transparency and, at worst, cover-ups that have scandalised the nation.
“I hope that the Hillsborough Law will help put an end to this culture of cover-ups and ensure victims’ families and the wider public gain confidence in the system that is meant to serve them.
“Today, is a momentous day in the fight for justice for victims and families. I welcome this law and, as I remember the victims, I also salute their families for their patience, determination and devotion to their loved ones’ memories.”
You can read more about the Hillsborough Law by clicking here.
