Conservative MP backs calls for ‘Hillsborough law’ for bereaved

A Tory rebel MP has urged the government to bring in a “Hillsborough law” to give bereaved families state funding for legal representation at inquests involving the police.

Charles Walker said it is “entirely unfair” that families face having their financial records scrutinised in their attempts to get legal aid while police have lawyers provided.

He is joining Labour MPS to vote for House of Lords Amendment 96 to the Policing and Crime Bill. The amendment was brought in amid concerns that families of those killed in the 1989 stadium disaster were not able to raise the funds for the same level of legal representation as the police.

Mr Walker said he is rebelling against the government on the issue “because equality of representation is absolutely critical”. Handing more powers to headteachers will add to their bureaucratic burden and exacerbate a “growing recruitment crisis” in the profession, a union has said.

The Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association (SSTA) said councils should instead take back some of the duties that have been devolved to schools in recent years.

The Scottish Government intends to devolve more powers to headteachers and is also looking at creating new regional education boards to work across council areas.

The SSTA called for a “process of review” rather than “major structural change”, which it said would only divert resources away from the main challenge of closing the attainment gap.

It also argued against the devolution of powers and the creation of new education regions.