The UK's Deputy Prime Minister has reaffirmed the government's commitment to introducing a Hillsborough Law, stating that work is proceeding "at pace" to ensure its success.

Initial hopes were dashed earlier this year when it was announced that the proposed legislation, which would be named in tribute to the 97 Liverpool fans who tragically lost their lives at the 1989 FA Cup semi-final, would not be tabled in time for the 36th anniversary as promised by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

The proposed law would impose a duty of candour on public bodies, requiring them to cooperate fully with official inquiries and provide truthful information following major catastrophes, with failure to comply potentially resulting in criminal penalties.



Read More.

Why Napoli are now “confident” of landing Darwin Nunez	Liverpool have just been given an even bigger reason to go and sign Alexander Isak as soon as possible - opinion

Although the Government has stated that additional time is required to refine the Bill, Liverpool West Derby MP Ian Byrne, a Hillsborough survivor, has advocated for it to be "worthy of the name".

In response to questioning during Prime Minister's Questions, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner stated that the legislation will be introduced "as soon as we're confident they will deliver the justice victims deserve".

The delay was raised by Anneliese Midgley, Labour MP for Knowsley, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said the state had failed Liverpool fans

Additionally, the Hillsborough families have spent 36 years campaigning for the introduction of the Hillsborough law, including Margaret Aspinall from Huyton.

Rayner faced questions regarding Labour's intention to introduce the Hillsborough Law without delay

Ninety-seven Liverpool fans were unlawfully killed at the 1989 FA Cup semi-final at Hillsborough Stadium

"The state has failed victims and their families too many times in the past and that is precisely why our focus is on getting the legislation right.

"I can assure her measures will be brought forward as soon as we're confident they will deliver the justice victims deserve and we want to do this at pace."

Campaigners such as Hillsborough Law Now expressed concerns that the current draft Bill lacks previously agreed-upon provisions, including the duty of candour.

Furthermore, there have been reports suggesting that officials were attempting to water down the contents of the Bill after a meeting between Starmer and campaigners was cancelled in March.