The announcement came following the Labour Party Conference and was welcome news at the annual Hillsborough Law Now fringe event this week.

The campaign, supported by Broudie Jackson Canter, represents a significant step towards ensuring accountability and justice for the families affected by state failures. Hillsborough Law aims to establish a framework in which public bodies are held to the highest standards of transparency and responsibility through a Duty of Candour. It will implement strong legally binding measures to prevent future tragedies and ensure that those in authority are held responsible for their actions. 

The campaign for Hillsborough Law has been marked by unwavering determination and resilience from the families and supporters. Their efforts have highlighted the urgent need for reform and have truly paved the way for meaningful change.  

The Labour Party conference was followed by a Hillsborough Law Now fringe event, which was a fantastic chance for members of the campaign to get together and discuss the importance of Hillsborough Law. It also allowed campaign members and supporters to come together to mark this great achievement in having our government to commit to a deadline and reenergise to continue campaigning for a Hillsborough Law that is complete and effective. Broudie Jackson Canter sponsored the event with people from across all areas of the firm in attendance to show their unwavering and continued support, including Elkan Abrahamson and Clare Fletcher from the Covid Inquiry team, and Alex Jones, the firm’s Head of Civil Liberties.  

As the government works towards enacting this crucial legislation, it is imperative that the voices of those who have suffered are at the forefront of this process, as a firm we are dedicated to ensuring that Hillsborough Law delivers true justice and accountability through the statute book. 

Speaking on the Prime Minister’s comments Elkan Abrahamson, Director & Head of Major Inquiries & Inquests at Broudie Jackson Canter, said:  

We and all the families are delighted to hear the renewed commitment from the Prime Minister that a Hillsborough Law will be brought in by next April. However, there remains a lot of work to do to ensure a Hillsborough Law loses none of the effectiveness of the original bill first presented by Andy Burnham in 2017.  

 “The HLN campaign has grown significantly and is now a coalition of families bereaved by state failures who will not give up until they see the right act on the statute book.  

 “The campaign stands ready to assist the government in making this law a reality.” 

A spokeswoman for Hillsborough Law Now also provided a comment on Sir Kier Starmer’s statement, they said:  

We are heartened by such a positive message from Sir Keir today, particularly the commitment that his Hillsborough Law will deliver accountability across all public bodies. 

"Let today be the start of a period of true transparency and accountability in public life, where bluster is confined to the annals of the past and candour is the new way of working. 

“The devil will be in the detail, but we will work with the government to make sure the Hillsborough Law delivers for all." 

Hillsborough Law is not just a piece of legislation. It is a symbol of hope and a long overdue step in ensuring that no one ever has to endure the lies and deceit that the bereaved families of those lost to the Hillsborough disaster had to deal with for years. As we move forward, we are prepared to dedicate our legal expertise and resources to ensure that the final version of the Hillsborough Law meets the highest standards and fulfils the promises made to the bereaved families.  

You can find out more about the Hillsborough Law Now campaign here.