THE Hillsborough Law, officially titled the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, successfully passed through the House of Commons on:- 14 July 2026. This landmark legislation follows decades of campaigning by families seeking justice after the Hillsborough disaster. The Bill marks a significant shift in how the State handles investigations and transparency, ensuring that such long standing injustices are prevented in the future.

 

The legislation introduces a:- statutory duty of candour and assistance for public authorities and officials, requiring them to:- act with transparency, and frankness during inquiries, inquests, and investigations. By replacing the existing common law offence of misconduct in public office with clearer statutory offences, the Bill aims to hold those who:- mislead the public or conceal wrongdoing to account, with potential custodial sentences for those who fall short of these standards.

Bereaved families will benefit from a significant expansion of legal aid, providing non means tested support for inquests. Furthermore, the Bill introduces measures to ensure:- legal spending by public authorities at inquests is both necessary and proportionate, while also mandating that lawyers conduct themselves with sensitivity toward families within Coroners' Courts.

Driven by the tireless work of the campaign group known online at:- https://HillsboroughLawNow.Org, the Bill has undergone extensive debate, including:- discussions on how it applies to various public services. Further details on the Government's approach can be found at:-  Gov.UK, and the full progress of the legislation is available online at:- Parliament.UK.

Following the proceedings in Parliament, Andy Burnham said:- "Today belongs to the Hillsborough families. They never gave up. Because of them, our country is 1 step closer to ensuring no family has to fight so long for truth and justice again."

The Bill will now progress to the House of Lords for further scrutiny before it can receive Royal Assent.

 

Timeline of the Public Office (Accountability) Bill

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

  • 16 September 2025 - The Bill receives its first reading in the House of Commons.
  • 3 November 2025 - The Bill passes its 2nd reading following debate.
  • 27 November 2025 - The Bill enters the committee stage.
  • 23 April 2026 - The Government confirms that work on the Bill will continue into the next parliamentary session.
  • 14 July 2026 - The Bill passes the House of Commons at the report stage.

 

What are your thoughts about this historic move?