Arne Slot ‘surprised’ Hillsborough Law not passed

As the anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster approaches, Liverpool’s manager, Arne Slot, expressed surprise that the proposed Hillsborough Law remains unenacted, despite its importance in securing justice for the 97 fans who lost their lives. In his matchday programme essay for Liverpool’s clash against Paris Saint-Germain, Slot honored the victims, survivors, and families affected by the tragedy.

“Slot reflected on the emotional weight of the stories shared with him since taking charge, emphasizing that time has not diminished their impact. He also noted the ongoing campaign for the Hillsborough Law, adding that he is puzzled by its delayed introduction.”

He clarified that his stance isn’t influenced by his connection to the club. Instead, it stems from a belief that bereaved families shouldn’t have to advocate for transparency in official inquiries, which should be a fundamental responsibility.

Wednesday commemorates the 37th anniversary of the Hillsborough tragedy, which ignited a push for legislation mandating public officials to disclose the full truth in their investigations. Labour committed to enacting the Hillsborough Law in its 2024 election platform, though the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, which was introduced in September, has yet to progress.

Earlier this year, the government proposed amendments to the bill, which would have extended the law’s reach to include spies, but only under the approval of their service heads. Critics argued this could allow evasion of the ‘duty of candour’ requirement, leading to the amendments being withdrawn. Now, intelligence officials may need to file court applications to secure exemptions from the disclosure rules.

“On Monday, Sir Keir Starmer reaffirmed his dedication to implementing the Hillsborough Law. He stated, ‘We are collaborating with the families and others to finalize the legislation, but the core principle of the duty of candour – ensuring public officials openly share the truth – is crucial to me. We will continue refining the bill to ensure it meets the necessary standards.’”

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