The problem
The Hillsborough disaster exposed deep failures in policing, emergency response, and the systems meant to protect the public. But the families’ experiences in the years that followed revealed a second injustice: a prolonged institutional effort to deny responsibility, blame the victims, and withhold the truth.
Their struggle highlights a pattern we continue to see across other deaths involving the state: a lack of honesty, a lack of accountability, and systems that protect institutions over families.
This experience is not unique. The same issues have arisen in cases including Bloody Sunday, the Post Office and Infected Blood scandals, the Grenfell Tower fire, the Manchester Arena bombing, and many inquests into deaths in police custody, prisons and mental health settings.
Learn more about INQUEST’s longstanding work with Hillsborough families and survivors
Read Unlocking the truth: 40 years of INQUEST
The solution: Hillsborough Law
Following the 2016 inquests, the Hillsborough Families and survivors have campaigned for a legacy to prevent others from having to go through the same nightmare as they did; grieving the deaths of their loved ones whilst fighting against institutional lies which for 27 years placed the blame on Hillsborough survivors and those who died. We’ve been campaigning alongside families, lawyers, parliamentarians for a Hillsborough Law to make this a reality.
What will Hillsborough Law do?
- Create a legal duty of candour, requiring public bodies, officials and corporations with a responsibility for public safety to tell the truth.
- Require public authorities, public servants and corporations to proactively assist official investigations, inquests and inquiries.
- Make it a criminal offence to mislead proceedings or withhold key information
- Expand legal aid to ensure victims and bereaved families have equal representation and receive public funding for lawyers from the start.
What progress has there been in Parliament?
- March 2017: First reading of the Bill, presented by Andy Burnham. The Bill was unopposed, however, progress was halted by the 2017 General Election.
- September 2022: Labour Party adopted Hillsborough Law.
- December 2023: The Conservative government responded to the 2017 independent review, rejecting Hillsborough Law and instead signing the Hillsborough Charter.
- July 2024: The new Labour government pledged to introduce Hillsborough Law in the King’s Speech.
- September 2024: Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that Hillsborough Law will be introduced before the next anniversary in April 2025.
- September 2025: The government introduced the Hillsborough Law to Parliament.
- November 2025: Second reading of the Bill.
Follow the progress of the Bill
Banner image credit: Sarah Booker
