APPG for Football Welcomes Hillsborough Law

The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Football has welcomed the approval of the Hillsborough law legislation by MPs.

The legislation, which is formally called the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, was passed unanimously by MPs at third reading on Tuesday.

Hillsborough law would create a legally enforceable duty of candour which compels public officials and authorities to act transparently when investigations and inquiries take place.

The legislation has been campaigned for by the families impacted by the Hillsborough Stadium.

It takes its name from the 1989 disaster at Hillsborough Stadium, in Sheffield, when 97 Liverpool fans were killed in a crush during an FA Cup semi-final match.

Families of those killed were forced to fight a long campaign to get to the truth behind the disaster in the face of obstruction by the authorities.

In March, at this year’s Fair Game Conference in Manchester, Margaret Aspinall who lost her 18 year son in the disaster and is chair of the Hillsborough Family Support Group, reiterated her need for the law, which had stalled through Parliament.

The law is still required to pass through House of Lords and be given Royal Ascent.

On the Bill gaining approval by MPs, Clive Betts MP, Chair of the APPG for Football said: “The Hillsborough Law matters deeply to football because it reinforces the principle that when tragedy occurs, victims and bereaved families must be met with transparency and support.

“Every public official has the foundational obligation to promote these values within their communities and to ensure that wrongdoing is never concealed, nor an investigation obstructed.

“Football is one of the world’s greatest unifying activities, where diverse communities can come together through shared passion and hope. Supporters should be able to attend those matches without ever fearing for their safety.

“The legacy of Hillsborough must be a lasting commitment to safer stadiums, stronger accountability and justice for those affected when institutions falter. Football belongs to its supporters, and every fan deserves to know that the authorities responsible for their safety will protect them and support them, with transparency and by performing to the highest standard.”

Fair Game is the Secretariat for APPG for Football.

Clive Betts MP, Chair APPG for Football