'Best way to honour the 97 would be passing Hillsborough Law' writes Arne Slot

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Wednesday April 15 marks the 37th anniversary of the disaster which claimed the lives of 97 supportersOn the eve of the anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster, Arne Slot has voiced his "surprise" that the long-campaigned-for Hillsborough Law has yet to be enacted.Writing in the programme notes ahead of Liverpool FC's clash with Paris Saint-Germain, Slot reflected on the lasting impact of the tragedy, which will be marked on its 37th anniversary tomorrow (Wednesday, April 15). He acknowledged that bereaved families "should not have to fight and campaign for the truth" about how their loved ones died.He wrote: "While almost four decades have passed since the tragedy occurred, the players and myself are fully aware that so many people – bereaved families, survivors, Liverpool supporters in general and many others besides – continue to be affected by the terrible events of that day."Since becoming head coach, I have been able to hear some of their stories and the passage of time does not make them any less moving.

I have also been told about the campaign for a Hillsborough Law and having listened to the reasons and knowing the story behind them, it surprises me that this is still to be introduced."This is not an opinion based on my association with Liverpool FC either. It is the view of someone who believes bereaved families should not have to fight and campaign for the truth about how their loved ones lost their lives; it should be provided as a matter of course."Tonight, we will remember the 97 and pay tribute to them, but it is clear that the best way for the country to honour them after all this time would be to introduce the law that the Hillsborough families and fellow campaigners are asking for."The proposed legislation, formally known as the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, would introduce a legal duty of candour on public officials and ensure parity of legal representation for families at inquests and inquiries.

Campaigners argue it is essential to prevent the injustices faced by the families of the 97 supporters unlawfully killed in 1989 from ever being repeated.As another anniversary arrives without the law on the statute books, pressure is mounting on the government to deliver on its promises.Families, survivors and political figures have urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer to act without further delay, amid reports of ongoing disagreements over the bill's scope, particularly whether it will fully apply to all public bodies, including the security services.Despite indications of potential progress, frustration remains that key developments have not been communicated directly to the families, echoing past grievances over transparency and accountability.A minute's silence will be held outside Liverpool Town Hall tomorrow to mark the anniversary. The silence will begin at 3.06pm - the exact time the match was stopped - as the city once again comes together in memory of the 97 fans who lost their lives, their families and all those affected by the disaster.Choose Liverpool Echo as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.