Mayor’s backing for Hillsborough Law

THE MAYOR of West Yorkshire has thrown her weight behind a campaign for a new law to protect bereaved families’ rights after public disaster, spearheaded by family members involved in the Hillsborough disaster.

The Hillsborough Law, which has also been backed by former Prime Ministers Theresa May and Gordon Brown, will enshrine publicly-funded legal representation at inquests, as well as enforcing a duty of candour on all public officials who appear before inquiries and criminal investigations.

Some 97 people died following the crush at Hillsborough stadium in Sheffield during the semifinal between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest in April 1989.

All were unlawfully killed, a second inquest found, after almost three decades of campaigning for justice by the families of those who died.

In a joint statement alongside 11 other Labour deputy mayors and Police and Crime Commissioners, Tracy Brabin said: “What happened at Hillsborough in April 1989 was utterly devastating. The cover-up that followed was a national disgrace.

“It is only because of the unwavering determination, perseverance and strength of the families and campaigners over a staggering 33 years that the truth was finally uncovered.

“A Hillsborough Law would introduce a package of measures which we believe will help to rebalance the scales of justice.

“It would ensure bereaved families are treated in a fairer, more just way, and help to prevent them from experiencing the same suffering and torment as those affected by Hillsborough and so many other disasters.”

ITV drama Anne, based on the campaigning of bereaved Liverpool mother Anne Williams, was broadcast earlier this month.