A mother who tragically lost her teenage daughters in the Hillsborough disaster is calling on Keir Starmer to communicate openly with the affected families and survivors. Jenni Hicks, whose daughters Victoria, 15, and Sarah, 19, were among the 97 Liverpool fans who lost their lives on April 15, 1989, at Sheffield Wednesday’s stadium, expressed her frustration over the ongoing debate surrounding the Hillsborough Law, aimed at preventing cover-ups.
The families of the victims have been advocating for the Hillsborough Law, which seeks to establish a “duty of candour” for public authorities to disclose the truth and cooperate with disaster investigations. However, the implementation of this law has been hindered due to reported issues with the security services.
Jenni emphasized the need for resolution, stating, “It’s time to move forward and get on with our lives now. But until the Hillsborough Law is settled and implemented, that’s not going to happen.” She urged the Prime Minister to address the concerns and work towards a resolution to end the prolonged distress experienced by families impacted by tragedies like the Hillsborough disaster.
The proposed Public Office (Accountability) Bill, initially pledged by Sir Keir Starmer in 2022, has garnered support from a coalition of survivors and families affected by various incidents, including the Manchester Arena bombing, Covid-19, the Grenfell fire, and other historical tragedies. However, disagreements between the government and campaigners over the application of the duty of candour to intelligence services have stalled the bill’s progress in Parliament.
Jenni welcomed reports suggesting a potential revision of plans granting security services broad exemptions from the law, describing it as a positive development. She stressed the importance of receiving official updates rather than relying solely on media reports for information.
On the 37th anniversary of the Hillsborough tragedy, tributes were paid by the Liverpool team and the public. A minute’s silence was observed at Anfield before the game against PSG, followed by a commemorative event at Liverpool Town Hall. The occasion included a bell tolling 97 times in memory of each victim and a rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”
As the nation commemorates the Hillsborough disaster, a government spokesperson acknowledged the enduring efforts of the families and victims in seeking justice. The spokesperson highlighted the significance of the proposed Bill in ensuring accountability and upholding the rights of those affected by past injustices.