Liverpool manager ‘surprised’ Hillsborough Law not yet passed

Liverpool’s manager has said he is “surprised” that the Hillsborough Law is still to be introduced ahead of the anniversary of the disaster that killed 97 of the football club’s fans.

Writing in the matchday programme for Liverpool’s game against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, Arne Slot paid tribute to the victims, survivors and bereaved of the Hillsborough disaster.

He added: “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.”

Wednesday marks 37 years since the disaster, which has prompted a campaign for a Hillsborough Law requiring public officials to tell the truth during inquiries and investigations.

Labour pledged to introduce a Hillsborough Law in its 2024 manifesto, but the legislation – formally known as the Public Office (Accountability) Bill – has stalled since it was introduced in September.

Last year, the Government faced a row after proposing amendments that would see spies brought within the scope of the law, but only with the approval of the head of their services.

Campaigners warned that this could be used as a way of escaping the new “duty of candour” and the amendments were pulled, with reports now suggesting intelligence chiefs will have to make a court application for any disclosures to be exempted.

Asked about the Bill on Monday, Sir Keir Starmer reiterated his commitment to deliver on his promise to introduce a Hillsborough Law.

The Prime Minister said: “Obviously we’re working with the families and others on the final balance that we need to get right in the proposed legislation.

“But the duty of candour, the duty, basically, that public officials need to come forward and tell the truth – that’s a really important principle that drives me.

“So, we’ll keep working on this, it’s important to get it right… I’ve made a promise and I intend to act on that promise.”