The justice secretary recently announced plans to expand legal aid for families bereaved through public disasters and terrorist incidents. This move comes after the government admitted that it took six years to respond to a 2017 report into the experiences of the bereaved families of 97 Liverpool FC fans who died in 1989. The response was published on Wednesday, acknowledging that it had taken too long and compounding the agony of the Hillsborough families and survivors. The government also expressed deep remorse for the delay.
The report, “The Patronising Disposition of Unaccountable Power,” was initiated by the former bishop of Liverpool in November 2017. It set out 25 learning points following inquests into the deaths of the fans who died at the 1989 FA Cup semi-final in Sheffield. Despite the official police version blaming fans’ behavior for the incident, families and the local community have consistently rejected this claim.
After years of campaigning, the ruling of accidental death was quashed in 2012, and a new inquest took place from 2016, concluding in 2017 that the 97 victims were “unlawfully killed.” The report also called for consideration of a “Hillsborough Law” or Public Authority (Accountability) Bill, which would include a “legal duty of candor” on public authorities and officials to tell the truth and cooperate with investigations and inquiries.
Regarding the government’s response, it mentioned that a “Hillsborough Law” was not necessary, but acknowledged that a “Hillsborough Charter” achieves similar goals. It also announced plans to expand legal aid for families involved in public disasters or terrorist incidents. The justice secretary further emphasized the importance of an “organizational duty of candor” for police and reviewed the need for a similar duty for health workers.
The Prime Minister expressed apologies to the Hillsborough families, acknowledging their prolonged suffering and emphasizing their tenacity, patience, and courage. Furthermore, a director from Hillsborough Law Now stated the need for the reintroduction of the Public Authority (Accountability) Bill to address the issues faced by those affected by disasters. Police bosses also issued an apology earlier this year, acknowledging the failures of policing in handling the Hillsborough disaster and committing to changes in accordance with a charter agreement.