Hillsborough advocate Margaret Aspinall has urged Keir Starmer to fulfill his commitment and enact a law to prevent future state concealments without delay. Aspinall, whose son James perished in the tragic 1989 incident that claimed 97 lives, expressed frustration over the delays in implementing the Hillsborough Law. Directly addressing Starmer, she emphasized the urgency by stating, “Get it sorted. Do it, ASAP. You promised when you first came into power that you would fulfill a Hillsborough Law in all its entirety.”
The plea from Aspinall comes just before the 37th anniversary of the disaster during an FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield. She, along with other families affected by the tragedy, has persistently fought for justice for more than thirty years. The proposed legislation, known as the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, aims to establish a “duty of candor” requiring public officials to act with integrity or potentially face criminal repercussions. However, the bill faced setbacks when a disagreement arose in January regarding an amendment concerning its applicability to the security services, including MI5.
Due to the stalemate, negotiations are ongoing among Hillsborough families, legal representatives, and government officials. This impasse diminishes the likelihood of the bill passing before the conclusion of the current parliamentary session and the 37th anniversary of the Hillsborough tragedy. Aspinall expressed her exasperation over the prolonged process, questioning the motives behind the delays, particularly referencing national security concerns.
Advocates supporting accountability for public officials, including those affected by the Grenfell Tower fire and the Post Office Horizon IT scandal, echo Aspinall’s call for transparency. Aspinall emphasized the significance of truth over deceit, underscoring the high costs incurred by the country due to lies and cover-ups. Starmer has met with Aspinall on various occasions privately, demonstrating his commitment to addressing the issue.
In response to the concerns raised, a government spokesperson reiterated the importance of introducing new legislation to prevent cover-ups and enhance accountability in public office. The legislation is designed to safeguard national security while ensuring transparency and honesty among public officials. Despite the setbacks, efforts are ongoing to strike a balance that upholds national interests without compromising on accountability.
The fight for justice and the enactment of a law to prevent future cover-ups has been a long-standing endeavor for Hillsborough campaigners. Despite the challenges faced, the introduction of the Public Office (Accountability) Bill signifies a step forward in ensuring transparency and accountability in public service. As the 37th anniversary nears, efforts are underway to resolve the impasse surrounding the bill, with hopes of reaching a resolution before Labour’s upcoming annual conference.
