00:00The Public Office Accountability Bill, more widely known as the Hillsborough Law, has passed its third reading in the House
00:06of Commons.
00:07The proposed legislation is intended to ensure no bereaved families experience the same long struggle for truth and justice faced
00:15by the Hillsborough families.
00:17One of its key measures is a legally binding duty of candour requiring public officials to act with honesty and
00:23transparency during inquests and official investigations.
00:26Speaking as the bill progressed through Parliament, Liverpool City Council Leader Liam Robinson said there was a relief felt across
00:33the city that the legislation had reached this stage, adding that many believed the law would be important not only
00:40for Liverpool but for families across the country.
00:43The legislation had originally been expected to be introduced earlier but was delayed following discussions over the role of the
00:49security services and whether any exemptions should apply to intelligence agencies.
00:54Councillor Robinson also acknowledged those involved in bringing the bill forward.
00:58He thanked Liverpool MPs including Ian Byrne and Maria Eagle as well as Sir Keir Starmer, Andy Burnham and Steve
01:05Rotherham for their support.
01:07However, he reserved his strongest praise for the Hillsborough families, survivors and campaigners, saying their determination had brought the legislation
01:15to this point.
01:16He also said that while no law could bring back the 97 people who lost their lives, he believed its
01:21eventual introduction would be a fitting tribute by helping to prevent future state cover-ups and ensuring greater accountability in
01:29the years ahead.
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