Today, 16 September 2025, the Government will introduce the Hillsborough Law to Parliament. This is of welcome news to the families of the 97 people who tragically lost their lives at the football stadium disaster in April 1989 and have subsequently devoted years of their lives to get to this stage.
The Hillsborough Law, also known as The Public Authority (Accountability) Bill, which was introduced in 2017 but delayed due to the General Election, then the changes in Government, will include a statutory duty of candour. This means that all agencies and officials must be open, honest, and transparent and cannot withhold information that may assist investigations into the death of an individual.
This is a truly fantastic outcome and indeed the right one for the Hillsborough families who have worked so hard, with such dignity, despite the hurdles to get to this stage.
It is almost 10 years since the inquest jury found that the fans had been unlawfully killed because of police failures, stadium design faults and delays in emergency response.
It is essential that this does not happen again. The Law will include an offence for wilfully failing to assist an inquest or inquiry.
More importantly, the Hillsborough Law means that public funding will be available for all families whereby they have lost a loved one and there has been state involvement, meaning that all aspects of a loved one’s death can be properly explored by the coroner, and, if necessary, a jury.
Farleys’ Inquest Solicitors
Farleys’ inquest team are experienced in representing families who have suffered bereavement and have questions that need to be answered.
Our team has a history of successfully securing legal aid funding in certain circumstances to cover the cost of legal representation for families who are faced with an inquest into the death of a loved one.
To speak to one of our inquest specialists, please call 0845 287 0939, get in touch by email, or use the online chat below.
