Hillsborough Law

Parliament was due to consider the Hillsborough Law (Public Office (Accountability) Bill) today.

Over the weekend I wrote to Justice Secretary to outline my concerns which mirror those of campaigners and MPs involved across Parliament, as well as the Mayor’s of Greater Manchester and the Liverpool City Region.

It was clear from the Manchester Arena Inquiry that the intelligence services failed and that the account previously presented of their actions was not accurate or complete. That is not accountability and it is not acting with candour.

It is perfectly possible for sensitive evidence to be heard in private, as it was in this inquiry. What should not be possible is for those giving evidence, whether corporately or personally, to provide an incomplete or inaccurate account of what was known or done in a way that undermines the stated intent of the Hillsborough Law.

Royton lost two mums in the Manchester Arena attack. Alison Howe and Lisa Lees were murdered as they took their young children to the concert. The attack shook the whole community, and their family and friends deserve accountability and a law that truly acts in the public interest. As it stands, it does not go far enough.

It is important to say that while campaigners are bravely standing up to secure justice for their loved ones, the law we make today puts in place the framework for all future inquiries. We cannot allow any grey areas that give those in positions of authority any sense that anything less than full and open candour is acceptable.

I know the Prime Minister is personally committed to this, and I am pleased the government has stepped back and has committed to working with campaigners so that this can be resolved.