On the 36th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster, campaigners seeking justice for the 97 victims have expressed deep frustration and disappointment over the delay in introducing the long-promised Hillsborough Law. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer had committed to bringing forward legislation by 15 April 2025, but campaigners say they remain “largely in the dark” about the Government’s plans.
The proposed Hillsborough Law is intended to enshrine a legal “duty of candour” on public authorities, aiming to prevent future cover-ups similar to those following the 1989 disaster. The law has long been backed by families of the victims, legal experts, and MPs from across the political spectrum.
However, on the eve of the anniversary, Downing Street announced that more time was needed to draft a robust version of the legislation. Campaigners fear this delay signals a weakening of the Bill’s intended scope. A scheduled meeting between Sir Keir and Hillsborough Law campaigners was reportedly cancelled last month, amid concerns the proposed duty of candour may not apply universally to public officials.
Elkan Abrahamson, solicitor for Broudie Jackson Canter and director of the Hillsborough Law Now campaign, criticised the Cabinet Office’s redraft of the Bill, calling it a “betrayal of the promises made”.
“We remain largely in the dark as to the status of the Bill and the next steps,” Mr Abrahamson said. “The recent Cabinet Office redraft of the Bill is a betrayal of the promises made by the Government, so there must be urgent steps to return to the original principles.
“We have made it clear to the Government that we will not accept anything that falls short of a full Hillsborough Law which includes a duty of candour for all public officials.
“We stand ready to assist the Government in delivering the promised legislation and urge them to speak to us to better understand what is required.”
Campaigners are now planning to contact all Members of Parliament before the end of the month in a renewed push for clarity and commitment. They argue that delivering a strong Hillsborough Law would provide not only justice for the families but also a vital safeguard for future public inquiries.
Speaking on Monday, the Prime Minister’s official spokesperson said: “Having consulted with groups over recent weeks and months, we believe more time is needed to draft the best version of a Hillsborough Law, but we remain fully committed to bringing this legislation at pace.”
Today, the city of Liverpool will mark the anniversary with a minute’s silence at 3.06pm, the time the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest was halted due to the crush at Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield. Flags on civic buildings will be flown at half-mast, while 97 tolls of a bell will follow the silence at Exchange Flags, led by Lord Mayor Richard Kemp and council leader Liam Robinson. An instrumental version of You’ll Never Walk Alone will also be played in remembrance.
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The road to justice following the disaster has been long and painful. The original inquest verdicts were quashed in 2012 after the publication of the Hillsborough Independent Panel’s report, and in 2016 a new inquest concluded the 97 were unlawfully killed due to police failures.
Yet attempts to hold individuals accountable have largely failed. Match commander David Duckenfield was acquitted of gross negligence manslaughter in 2019. In 2021, three retired police officials were cleared of perverting the course of justice.
Earlier this year, the Independent Office for Police Conduct concluded South Yorkshire Police attempted to deflect blame but could not find grounds for disciplinary action, citing the absence of a formal duty of candour at the time.
As campaigners continue their push, they insist the Government must deliver on its promise—not only to honour those who died but to ensure no other family endures the same struggle for truth and accountability.
