What is the Hillsborough Law and How Did It Come to Be?

The Hillsborough disaster, which occurred on 15 April 1989, resulted in the tragic deaths of ninety-seven people and left hundreds injured. The long-standing struggle for justice and accountability has led to the recent announcement of the Public Authority (Accountability) Bill, commonly known as Hillsborough Law. This legislation aims to ensure transparency and equal funding for victims of state-related disasters, marking a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for survivors and bereaved families.

Last updated: 11 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• The Hillsborough disaster claimed ninety-seven lives and remains a pivotal event in UK history.
• Recent developments include the introduction of the Hillsborough Law aimed at ensuring accountability from public authorities.
• The journey for justice has spanned decades, with numerous legal challenges and setbacks.
• The law seeks to establish a legal duty of candour and equal funding for legal representation.
• Campaigners remain vigilant, ensuring the law is effectively implemented to prevent future tragedies.

Historical Context of the Hillsborough Disaster

On 15 April 1989, during an FA Cup semi-final match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, a catastrophic crush occurred at Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield. The disaster resulted in the deaths of ninety-seven people and left hundreds injured. The tragedy was compounded by the subsequent media portrayal and the blame that was unfairly placed on the fans, rather than addressing significant failures in crowd management by the police and stadium officials.

The Inquests and Their Findings

It took nearly three decades for a definitive truth to emerge regarding the disaster. The second set of inquests, which concluded in 2016, ruled that the victims were unlawfully killed and that the fans were not responsible for the crush. This marked a significant victory for the bereaved families and survivors, who had fought tirelessly for justice. The verdicts were met with relief and celebration outside the coroner’s court, but the fight for accountability was far from over.

The Fight for Justice Continues

Despite the findings of the inquests, the journey towards justice remained fraught with challenges. The initial expectations following the inquest verdicts were soon dashed as criminal trials yielded disappointing outcomes. The only conviction was a Sheffield Wednesday club official fined for a health and safety violation. Senior police officer David Duckenfield, responsible for managing the disaster, was acquitted of gross negligence manslaughter after two trials. The ongoing police misconduct investigation has yet to conclude, leaving many families feeling despondent and frustrated with the lack of accountability.

The Role of Campaigners

For many within the Hillsborough community, the victory in 2016 represented a high-water mark, with subsequent years feeling like a regression. Many prominent campaigners have passed away, but their legacy continues through the determination of those still fighting for justice. The introduction of Hillsborough Law is seen as a pivotal moment that could lead to a more accountable system, ensuring the lessons learned from the tragedy are not forgotten.

What is Hillsborough Law?

The Hillsborough Law aims to establish a legal framework that mandates public authorities to cooperate fully in inquiries and provide truthful accounts without withholding information. This "duty of candour" is essential in preventing similar injustices in the future. Additionally, the law seeks to address the imbalance in legal funding faced by victims compared to state bodies, ensuring that all parties have equal access to legal representation.

The Development of the Bill

The groundwork for the Hillsborough Law was laid in 2016, following the inquest verdicts. Barrister Pete Weatherby KC, who represented multiple families, highlighted the need for such legislation to prevent state failures from being covered up. The initial proposal was created collaboratively by lawyers representing the Hillsborough families, emphasising transparency and fairness in the legal process.

Political Journey of the Bill

Initially presented to Parliament in March 2017 with cross-party support, the bill's progress was halted due to the general election. Despite several attempts to revive it, the government chose not to reintroduce the legislation. Over the years, various tragedies, such as the Grenfell Tower fire and the Manchester Arena attack, highlighted the urgent need for accountability, reinforcing the importance of the Hillsborough Law.

A New Era with Labour's Return

After Labour regained power, the Hillsborough Law was revived, and the government announced its intention to introduce the bill by the next anniversary of the disaster in April 2025. However, as that date approached, no significant progress had been made. In July 2025, there was an attempt to reintroduce the original bill, but it faced opposition as the government preferred to draft its own version.

The Importance of Vigilance

Behind the scenes, negotiations have been ongoing between government representatives and Hillsborough Law campaigners. There is a shared understanding that the bill must be comprehensive and include all essential provisions to truly reflect the needs of victims and prevent future injustices. Campaigners remain vigilant, committed to holding the government accountable during the legislative process, ensuring that Hillsborough Law is more than just a title but a practical tool for justice.

Looking Ahead

The journey for justice following the Hillsborough disaster has been long and arduous, marked by both triumphs and setbacks. The recent announcement regarding the Hillsborough Law brings renewed hope, but it also highlights the ongoing struggle for accountability within the public sector. As the bill moves through Parliament, the commitment of campaigners and supporters will be crucial in shaping its final form and ensuring it serves its intended purpose.

FAQs

What was the Hillsborough disaster?

The Hillsborough disaster occurred on 15 April 1989 during an FA Cup semi-final match, resulting in the deaths of ninety-seven people due to a crowd crush at the stadium.

What is Hillsborough Law?

Hillsborough Law is a proposed legislative framework aimed at ensuring public authorities are held accountable by establishing a duty of candour and equality in legal funding for victims of state-related disasters.

How has the campaign for justice evolved since the disaster?

Since 1989, the campaign for justice has involved numerous legal battles, inquests, and public inquiries, culminating in the recent developments surrounding the Hillsborough Law, which seeks to provide better accountability.

What challenges has the Hillsborough Law faced?

The Hillsborough Law has faced significant political challenges, including delays in the legislative process, opposition from government officials, and the need for ongoing negotiation to ensure comprehensive provisions are included.

Why is the Hillsborough Law important?

The Hillsborough Law is essential as it seeks to prevent future injustices by ensuring transparency from public authorities and guaranteeing equal legal representation for victims, addressing historical imbalances in the legal system.

The ongoing efforts to pass the Hillsborough Law reflect a broader struggle for justice and accountability in the face of state-related tragedies. As the bill progresses, it serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and advocacy in ensuring that the legacy of Hillsborough is one of positive change. #HillsboroughLaw #JusticeForAll #AccountabilityNow