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Advocating for Justice

At Broudie Jackson Canter, our Liverpool solicitors provide practical legal advice for individuals and families across the North-West. Our specialised team of inquest solicitors are committed to advocating for justice, truth, and accountability. These principles are embodied by our involvement in the Hillsborough Inquests and subsequent Hillsborough Law Now campaign.

The Hillsborough disaster, which occurred on 15thApril 1989, during an FA Cup semi-final match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, is one of the darkest days in English football history. A fatal crush at Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield resulted in the deaths of 97 Liverpool supporters and left hundreds more injured.

Adding to the tragedy, victims and their families faced mistreatment from authorities and the media. Immediately after the disaster, false stories accusing Liverpool fans spread widely, while a police cover-up aimed to deflect blame from the authorities. This included altering officers' statements and suppressing evidence, leading to an initial inquest verdict of accidental death in 1991.

For over two decades, families supported by groups like the Hillsborough Justice Campaign, fought tirelessly for the truth. They organised public demonstrations, called upon politicians, and worked to keep the disaster in the public eye. Elkan Abrahamson, Director & Head of Major Inquests & Inquiries at Broudie Jackson Canter, provided pro bono legal support to the families over the decades.

Their persistence paid off when the Hillsborough Independent Panel was established in 2010 to review all documents related to the disaster. This panel produced a report in 2012 which unearthed significant new evidence leading to the original inquest’s verdict being quashed.

At Broudie Jackson Canter, our specialist team led by Elkan Abrahamson, is dedicated to supporting bereaved families and victims in holding public bodies accountable for their actions and decisions. We understand the importance of uncovering the truth, which is why we stand by families every step of the way.

Find out more about our involvement in the Hillsborough Inquests and the Hillsborough Law Now campaign below. 

Hillsborough Inquests

Broudie Jackson Canter proudly represented 22 families during the second Hillsborough Inquests, which concluded on 26th April 2016, with a historic verdict of unlawful killing.

The second Hillsborough Inquests were a monumental legal battle, spanning over two years and becoming the longest in British legal history. The landmark decision was a significant step towards justice for the 97 men, women, and children who tragically lost their lives in the 1989 disaster.

Our team worked tirelessly to ensure that the voices of the bereaved families were heard, and that the truth was brought to light. Through meticulous legal work and unwavering dedication, we helped uncover vital evidence and secure a historic verdict.

Our hard-fought verdict initiated further investigations and legal actions against those culpable for the 1989 disaster. In 2021, 601 victims received settlements acknowledging the additional suffering caused by the police cover-up, which compounded the trauma for the victims and their families.

Our Hillsborough Inquest Statements

  • IPCC rejects complaint against South Yorkshire Police (SYP) chief constable – Read more here
  • Broudie Jackson Canter Call for Remedial Measure for South Yorkshire Police - Read more here
  • Hillsborough families to meet Home Secretary and South Yorkshire Police Chief Constable - Read more here
  • An Open Letter to Government Regarding Hillsborough Law - Read more here

Hillsborough Law Bill

The fight for justice did not end with the second inquests. Broudie Jackson Canter has been at the forefront of the Hillsborough Law Now campaign, advocating for the introduction of a legal Duty of Candour on public authorities and officials. This proposed law, also known as the Public Authority (Accountability) Bill, aims to ensure transparency and honesty in public service, preventing future injustices.

Elkan Abrahamson and Pete Weatherby KC of Garden Court North Chambers, have both been instrumental in drafting the bill and leading the campaign as directors.

The Hillsborough Law Now campaign, is a coalition of families, activists, leaders, and everyday people calling for Hillsborough Law to be introduced immediately. We stand ready to ensure that their efforts are not in vain. 

Broudie Jackson Canter is dedicated to ensuring that a full and proper version of Hillsborough Law is enacted, so the lives of the many, not the few, can be saved. 

To find out more about the Hillsborough Law Now campaign visit the site here.

Timeline

  • April 15, 1989: The Hillsborough disaster occurs during an FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, resulting in the deaths of 96 Liverpool fans.
  • August 1989: The Taylor Inquiry publishes an interim report, concluding that the main cause of the disaster was the failure of police control.
  • 1990: The Crown Prosecution Service decides not to pursue criminal charges against South Yorkshire Police officers or other parties.
  • March 1991: The first inquests return verdicts of accidental death, which are met with widespread dissatisfaction.
  • 1997: The families of the victims launch a campaign for new inquests.
  • 2012: The Hillsborough Independent Panel publishes its report, revealing extensive police cover-ups and prompting the dismissal of the original inquest verdicts.
  • April 2014: New inquests begin in Warrington.
  • April 26, 2016: The jury at the new inquests returns a verdict of unlawful killing for the 96 victims and exonerates Liverpool fans of any blame.
  • March 2017: Andy Burnham MP Introduced the Hillsborough Law Bill to Parliament on 29th March 2017. You can read Andy Burnham's speech to MPs about the important bill during Prime Minister Questions here.
  • June 2017: Six individuals, including former police officers, are charged with offenses related to the disaster.
  • November 2019: Former Chief Superintendent David Duckenfield is acquitted of gross negligence manslaughter.
  • April 2021: Settlement agreement reached by the South Yorkshire Police and the West Midlands Police with over 600 victims of the Hillsborough disaster.
  • September 2022: The Labour Party confirms its support for Hillsborough Law, announcing that it would be enacted upon their accession to government following the next general election in 2024. Read more here
  • December 2023: The Conservative Government decides against introducing a full and proper version of Hillsborough Law that would enforce a duty of candour for police and public authorities. Read more here
  • July 2024: The Labour Government announces that Hillsborough Law is to be included in the statue book during the Kings Speech. Read more here
  • September 2024: Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer reaffirms his support for Hillsborough Law and states that the bill will be introduced to the statue book before the next anniversary of the disaster. Read more here

Looking Towards the Future

The Hillsborough inquests were a crucial step towards justice for the victims and their families. As a firm, we are honoured to support those who have suffered for so long at the hands of the state and media, guiding them through complex legal processes to get the answers and justice they deserve.

We maintain our commitment to supporting the bereaved Hillsborough families. We will continue to push for a comprehensive version of Hillsborough Law to be added to the statute book and will tirelessly advocate for the rights of those impacted by preventable disasters.

The sudden and unexpected death of a family member is a highly distressing experience. At Broudie Jackson Canter, our specialist team of inquest solicitors will strive to make sure that the inquest process serves your interests and contributes to justice and closure. If you are facing an inquest and need expert advice, we are here to help. Please give us a call, request a call back or make an enquiry to get in touch with a member of our team.