Hillsborough families have met with the former bishop of Liverpool to discuss plans for a Hillsborough Law for bereaved relatives.
James Jones, bishop of the city between 1998 and 2013, published a report six years ago into the experiences of the families of those who died at the FA Cup semi-final in 1989, but there has not yet been a full government response. Earlier this month, Justice Secretary Dominic Raab confirmed plans to establish an independent public advocate (IPA) to support those affected by major disasters, a move which was welcomed by Mr Jones in his report.
An independent pathology review into the issues following the disaster – one of 25 recommendations made by Mr Jones – is due to be carried out by the Home Office. Campaigners are calling for a “Hillsborough Law”, or Public Authority (Accountability) Bill, which would create a legal duty of candour on public authorities and officials to tell the truth and proactively co-operate with official investigations and inquiries.
