00:00On the 37th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster, families and survivors have once again been at the heart of political
00:07debate in Westminster.
00:09On Wednesday, Sir Keir Starmer told the Commons he's committed to delivering a Hillsborough law, saying it would place a
00:15duty of candour on all public servants.
00:18He said their aim is to ensure the state always acts in the interests of the people it serves.
00:23The legislation, formerly known as the Public Office Accountability Bill, has stalled since it was introduced in September.
00:30Progress has been delayed last year after an amendment was withdrawn over concerns intelligence agencies could be affected.
00:36Downing Street said discussions have been taking place with families and security agencies and that the bill will return to
00:43Parliament soon.
00:44However, a Downing Street spokesman said they could not commit to bringing it back before the King's speech later this
00:52year.
00:52Labour included a promise to introduce the legislation in its 2024 manifesto.
00:58It would require public officials to tell the truth during official inquiries and investigations.
01:03Campaigners warned that earlier proposals could have allowed exemptions for ill-intelligence services, prompting concerns those loopholes could weaken the
01:11duty of candour.
01:12Labour MP Ian Burnett, who represents Wes Derby, said the 97 victims were killed at the hands of a corrupt
01:18state.
01:18Speaking in Parliament, he said he felt a huge obligation to families and survivors of the disaster.
01:25The Prime Minister said he's working closely with families to ensure legislation is delivered correctly.
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