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Tributes left at the Hillsborough memorial at Anfield(Image: Liverpool Echo)

A promised law named in honour of the Hillsborough victims and aimed at preventing cover-ups must be “all or nothing”, campaigners said as the anniversary of the disaster approaches.

Legislation presented to Parliament must be “without dilution or caveat” the Inquest charity said, following concerns among some that the law might be watered down.

Other major campaign groups including Grenfell United and Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice (CBFFJ) have backed the call.



It is understood concerns relate to who the duty of candour would apply to.

In an update last week, Commons leader Lucy Powell said the government will take “whatever time is necessary” to develop a law which “meets the expectations” of the Hillsborough families.

Inquest director Deborah Coles said a delay in a Bill being introduced to Parliament by the anniversary would be “disappointing” but that it is important the proposed legislation fully meets campaigners’ hopes.

Ninety-seven football fans died as a result of a crush at the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield.

Margaret Aspinall, whose 18-year-old son James died in the disaster, said: “After hearing the stories of all the other families fighting for justice, I am more determined than ever to demand that the Hillsborough Law presented to Parliament is all or nothing.

“This is the legacy of families and survivors – the bill has got to be right.”

Flowers and tributes left at the Hillsborough Memorial outside Anfield stadium(Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)

Inquest has published a report after bringing together “powerful voices of bereaved families, victims and survivors of some of the worst failings of public services and the legal system in the UK” to re-state the need for a strong law.

And families will keep paying the price.”

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Speaking in Parliament last week, Ms Powell said the “most important issue at this time is to ensure that the legislation reflects the full range of concerns and experiences, and meets the expectations of the families”.

She added: “I think the very worst thing we can do at this point in time is to not meet those expectations when all of the trust and issues there are about the state failing to live up to those expectations of the families.

“So we are working on the Bill at pace, but we will take whatever time is necessary to work collaboratively with the families and their representatives, because getting that legislation right is actually our overwhelming priority at this time, I’m sure she can understand that.”