WARRINGTON North MP Charlotte Nichols visited Anfield ahead of a “landmark moment” as the Government delivered on its promise to introduce “Hillsborough Law” – a landmark change born from the tireless campaigning of the families of the 97.
This new law ensures:
✅ A legal Duty of Candour – public officials must act with honesty and integrity at all times, with criminal sanctions for coverups.
✅ The largest expansion of legal aid in a decade – giving bereaved families publicly funded representation at inquests, so both sides are on equal footing.
✅ A new offence for misleading the public – holding individuals and institutions accountable when they fail the people they serve.
This legislation is a legacy for those lost at Hillsborough, a tribute to the families who never gave up, and a safeguard against future injustices.
From Hillsborough to Horizon, Windrush, Grenfell and beyond – this law will end the culture of cover-ups, ensuring truth, transparency, and justice for families.
Ms Nichols said: “Yesterday, I joined the Hillsborough families, Deputy Prime Minister, Attorney General, Victims Minister, Andy Burnham, Steve Rotherham and MPs in Liverpool for a final meeting ahead of something truly monumental happening later today.
“This is a landmark moment. Not just for the bereaved families and survivors of Hillsborough, but all those who have suffered tragedy and disaster and been met with cruelty and institutional defensiveness by the state – including nuclear test veterans, infected blood, the Horizon scandal and the Manchester Arena bombing – to ensure it could never happen again.
As one of the guardians of this legislation, I will ensure this bill is delivered and implemented in full. It has been a long road to get here, and I pay tribute to all the campaigners who have given decades of their lives to fight for justice and accountability. This moment belongs to each and every one of them, and I know the change it will make when it is finally on the statute book. That process officially starts today.”
