Decades of tireless campaigning by the families of the 97 supporters and who died as a result of the 1989 Hillsborough Disaster have led to a “seismic” change in the law.
On Tuesday, September 15, the government will lay before Parliament the Public Office (Accountability) Bill – more widely known as the Hillsborough Law. The landmark legislation represents a huge and historic day, introducing sweeping reforms designed to ensure no family ever faces the same injustices, lies and cover-ups endured by the Hillsborough families.
The bill will create a new professional and legal duty of candour, compelling public officials and authorities to act with honesty and integrity at all times with criminal sanctions for the most serious breaches. It also delivers the largest expansion of legal aid in a decade, guaranteeing bereaved families non-means-tested support at inquests, with the costs covered by the public body involved.
Importantly, public bodies will also be bound by law to ensure their spending on legal representation is proportionate. This aims to stop the state from fielding vast legal teams against grieving families, ensuring a fairer and more equal footing in proceedings.
Further measures include new guidance requiring public bodies to engage with inquests in a way that prioritises “openness and honesty” to help coroners establish the truth, and a new criminal offence for misleading the public.
It is hoped this package of reforms will prevent the tragedies of the past and the institutional failures that followed from ever being repeated. The legislation has been described as the most important reform to how the justice system treats ordinary citizens since the introduction of the Human Rights Act in 1998.
For the Hillsborough families, the change comes after decades of struggle against official failings and disgraceful smears about their loved ones, unlawfully killed in a crush at Hillsborough Stadium during the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest on April 15, 1989.
The reforms have been welcomed by those who fought for them. Margaret Aspinall, former chair of the Hillsborough Family Support Group, offered her backing to the bill.
Liverpool West Derby MP Ian Byrne, who has been central in campaigning for the law, said outside Parliament:
I’m proud that the Hillsborough Law will be laid before Parliament tomorrow. A huge step towards justice, truth and genuine change – and a legacy worthy of the 97. #JFT97#HillsboroughLawpic.twitter.com/rvh8Hk1Y2D
— lan Byrne MP (@IanByrneMP) September 15, 2025
“I and others will remain focused on ensuring it passes into law without any weakening changes.”
“This is a truly momentous day.”
“For the first time, public officials will be compelled by the law to tell the truth when people die at the hands of the state.”
“And bereaved families will finally receive legal representation – without means-testing – funded by the state. A parity of arms.”
“No family will ever again face the kind of smears, cover-ups and lies that the Hillsborough families and survivors endured for decades.”
“This is a landmark change. To our law and to our culture. A fitting legacy for the 97 children, women and men who lost their lives at Hillsborough.”
“We’ve said it for many years, but today it resonates differently: justice for the 97.”
Liverpool Football Club also released a powerful statement, describing the moment as a victory for truth, justice and dignity:
“Liverpool Football Club welcomes
the introduction and forthcoming implementation of the Hillsborough Law – a landmark piece of legislation borne from the tireless efforts of the families, survivors and campaigners who have fought for truth and justice for more than three decades.”
“We pay tribute to the families, whose unwavering determination and dignity in the face of unimaginable loss and injustice have inspired a movement that will protect others.”
“Their courage and selflessness will not only change the law – it will change the lives of future generations.”
“Today’s legislation is a direct response to the failures that followed the Hillsborough disaster and a promise that no other family should ever have to endure the same struggle to uncover the truth.”
“We continue to remember the 97; their memory lives on in our hearts and in our actions.”
“We also honour those who are no longer with us, including campaigners who passed before seeing this day. Their legacy will be written into law.”
“We know there is still more work to do but hope today gives some peace and enormous sense of achievement to everyone connected to Hillsborough. Our thoughts and support will always be with you.”
“Justice for the 97.”
