I had the privilege of meeting Margaret Aspinall during my tenure as Director of Public Prosecutions. Her unwavering bravery, along with the resilience exhibited by all the Hillsborough families and survivors, is truly remarkable. Despite facing falsehoods and defamation regarding their loved ones, they remained steadfast in their pursuit of the truth over many years.
These families, let down by institutions they once trusted, refused to back down. The narratives they shared about their experiences are deeply disturbing. They were condescended to as the establishment united to conceal the truth. The State, leveraging public resources, acted oppressively to defend its interests.
I vividly recall Margaret recounting how families pooled their meager resources to secure even basic legal representation. Margaret herself had to settle for a meager insurance payout after her son James’ passing, just to afford a barrister for the initial inquest. Yet, these grieving families were pitted against a battalion of state-funded attorneys, with the State’s substantial resources threatening to thwart their quest for justice.
Throughout my professional career, I have stood by victims and their families, offering my assistance and representation. This cause underscores the imperative for a broader societal transformation. It necessitates rebalancing power dynamics and instilling in the State a genuine appreciation and regard for every individual.
While the current stature of the Premier League may suggest otherwise, football supporters in the 1980s were often marginalized, labeled as troublemakers and delinquents. This marginalization parallels the treatment of victims of tainted blood, grooming gangs, post office workers, and the Grenfell residents.
Repeatedly, voices have been disregarded based on societal standing, class, or perceived lack of influence. Regrettably, the State failed to accord equal worth to these lives. The Hillsborough families’ battle represents a crusade for change, an inspiring testament to their commitment to preventing others from enduring similar suffering.
My pledge to enact the Hillsborough Law epitomizes my political philosophy. It signifies a move towards genuine social justice, fostering a more equitable and inclusive society where every individual is respected as they deserve, and where the State serves the people faithfully.
This commitment exemplifies the principles by which governments should operate. Lasting transformation requires meticulous effort and genuine collaboration, transcending the confines of bureaucratic institutions. Families and survivors partnering with the government exemplify a governance structure that prioritizes the interests of the working class.
The legislation being introduced in Parliament marks a pivotal moment in the pursuit of a State that treats working individuals with the dignity they merit. It will abolish the culture of concealment and deception, ensuring that public bodies cannot evade accountability.
A new formal Duty of Candor will mandate all public officials to uphold honesty and integrity consistently. Additionally, a new offense for intentionally misleading the public will be established. I have not settled for mere professional repercussions; breaching these obligations could lead to criminal prosecution.
This legislative initiative includes a substantial expansion of legal aid, providing bereaved families with publicly funded legal representation during inquests. Coupled with a directive on proportional legal spending by public entities, it aims to level the playing field, ensuring fairness and equality for all parties involved.
I am honored that the families and survivors have granted us permission to name this legislation The Hillsborough Law. While it cannot erase the injustices of the past, I hope it contributes to the enduring legacy these individuals have forged in memory of the 97 victims. May it be a source of national pride, reflecting a law that embodies our collective values.
Though Hillsborough will forever be etched in our collective memory for its tragedy and injustice, today offers an opportunity to remember it for catalyzing positive societal change. With this law, we are reshaping power dynamics in Britain, guaranteeing that every individual is treated with the dignity they deserve.