The Labour Government has today delivered the Hillsborough Law – officially known as The Public Office (Accountability) Bill – which follows decades campaigning by brave, bereaved families.
Since the 2024 General Election, Torfaen MP Nick Thomas-Symonds has remained committed delivering a Hillsborough law, and has consistently engaged with the families ensure the legislation delivered justice for those effected by previous tragedies.
The landmark legislation holding public officials and authorities accountable for their actions – finally closing the chapter on one of the darkest days in British history.
Measures in the Bill include:
- A new professional and legal Duty of Candour– meaning public officials must act with honesty and integrity at all times – with criminal sanctions for egregious breaches;
- The largest expansion of legal aid in a decade for bereaved families – providing non-means tested help and support for inquests.
- A new offence for misleading the public – our legislation will lead to meaningful cultural changes and a public service that truly acts in the public interest. But for those who don’t, there will be criminal sanctions for the most serious breaches, including for misleading the public in a way which is seriously improper.
Learning lessons from devastating disasters and scandals – including Hillsborough, Orgreave, Windrush, the infected blood scandal and Grenfell – the Hillsborough Law will once and for all end the culture of cover-ups and hiding the truth, ensuring transparency, accountability, and support for bereaved families.
The Bill will also include measures to better support families at inquests and ensure the focus remains on establishing the facts to deliver justice for victims – avoiding “David and Goliath” style showdowns.
In the largest expansion to legal aid in a decade, bereaved families will have publicly funded legal representation at inquests, with the costs covered by the public body represented.
A legal duty will also be placed on public bodies to ensure their spend is always proportionate, stopping the state from hiding behind unjustifiably large legal teams at inquests and making sure both sides are on a fair and equal footing.
Torfaen MP Nick Thomas-Symonds said:
“The Labour Government promised to introduce the Hillsborough Law, and I’m incredibly proud to have played a part in delivering this.”
“This landmark legislation is a result of the decades of tireless campaigning by so many families, and their efforts will mean no other family has to go through the same ordeal.”
“This is about changing our culture to prevent future cover-ups and ensure that those affected by state failure get the answers they deserve.”
