Starmer and Burnham hail Hillsborough Law as MPs give approval

Sir Keir Starmer told MPs the UK “stands on the precipice of change” as the Hillsborough Law cleared the House of Commons, one of his last acts as prime minister before he hands power to Andy Burnham. The legislation, formally the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, imposes a duty on public authorities and officials to tell the truth and co-operate with official investigations and inquiries. It is named after the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, which claimed 97 lives after a crush during the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest. Police leaders were found to have spread false narratives about the disaster, blaming Liverpool fans, and withheld evidence of their own failings. The bill had been delayed by wrangling over how the duty of candour applies to the intelligence services, but ministers broke the deadlock with a series of amendments approved by MPs on Tuesday, paving the way for it to clear the Commons. The Conservatives accused Starmer of rushing the legislation through its final stages following late changes. Speaking in the Commons, Starmer said the Hillsborough families “fought so that no family like them should ever have to endure and suffer what they went through”. He told MPs: “What they have done will protect individuals and families that they’ll never know, they’ll never meet but who’ll never have to go through what they went through.” He also said: “This is not just a bill for the 97, although it is that, it is a bill for every single working person in this country because, let’s face it, there is a class element to this. Time and again the cry for justice was ignored by the British state because of who the victims are – because they’re working class, because they’re black, because they’re women and girls.” Starmer raised the work of campaigners over failings connected to the Grenfell Tower fire, the Manchester Arena bombings, the infected blood scandal and grooming gangs. “We stand on the precipice of change. This is a moment of real significance for our country,” he said shortly before the bill was approved at third reading. The bill will now be sent to the House of Lords for further scrutiny before it can become law. Andy Burnham, who is expected to replace Starmer as prime minister, said the bill ensures “justice for ordinary people going forward” and is “some legacy” for Starmer. Starmer spent his final day in office highlighting what he sees as his legacy – the Hillsborough Law and support for Ukraine. He faced Kemi Badenoch for the last time at Prime Minister’s Questions, a session that comes amid the sombre backdrop of former MP Ann Widdecombe’s suspected murder. Burnham said a “serious review” was needed into MPs’ security, adding that politics has “darkened” since he was last in Westminster. Starmer also received a bespoke carriage clock from his Cabinet, organised by deputy prime minister David Lammy and crafted by Dent London, the clockmakers who furnished the Elizabeth Tower. He will formally resign on Monday morning, with Burnham to be coronated that afternoon.