Liverpool fans have backed calls for the introduction of a Hillsborough Law, led by Labour MPs and officials, that would rebalance the scales of justice in the UK.
Friday afternoon saw Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, and Steve Rotherham, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, lead a live event in support of the ‘Hillsborough Law Now’ campaign.
This comes in the aftermath of the recent ITV documentary Anne, which brought the wider impact of the Hillsborough tragedy back to the fore.
Levelling up cannot only be about big spending announcements and shiny infrastructure projects.
It should also about righting long-term, structural injustices. There are few bigger than this. Levelling the scales of justice *is* levelling up.
We need a #HillsboroughLawNow. pic.twitter.com/1zgKACLXC9
— Steve Rotheram (@MetroMayorSteve) January 7, 2022
The fight for justice goes on – tomorrow.
For a more just country for everyone.
For a Hillsborough Law – now.
Join us from 1pm and support the campaign.#Anne #HillsboroughLawNow pic.twitter.com/hKkLYLwizP
— Andy Burnham (@AndyBurnhamGM) January 6, 2022
We need a #HillsboroughLawNow. https://t.co/HHwyJsKHcJ
— lan Byrne MP (@IanByrneMP) January 7, 2022
All too often justice seems to be a luxury of the rich and powerful. The victims of tragedies like Hillsborough and Grenfell deserve the truth to be heard and those lying to be held accountable. Join me from 1pm today in calling for a #HillsboroughLawNow pic.twitter.com/kVVFasWQhe
— Mayor Jamie Driscoll (@MayorJD) January 7, 2022
The Hillsborough Law would see the following written into UK law:
- A requirement that the evidence and findings of major inquests must be taken fully into account at any subsequent criminal trials
- Clarification in law that major inquiries commissioned by government or other official bodies constitute “courses of public justice”
- A requirement that any criminal trials following a major inquest take place in a court with relevant expertise and status rather than a crown court
Speakers at the event on Friday included Hillsborough campaigner Margaret Aspinall, whose son James lost his life in the disaster in 1989, and Bishop James Jones.
Margaret Aspinall : "We did nothing wrong at Hillsborough, our dead were accused of killing themselves. What a disgrace. I'm proud of being a Scouser, I'm proud of our city and I'm proud of our supporters on that day. They were the heroes" #HillsboroughLawNow pic.twitter.com/stbzriCwAw
— Paul Doward (@PaulDowardRadio) January 7, 2022
It was Bishop Jones who published a report, ‘The Patronising Disposition of Unaccountable Power’, in 2017, reviewing the experiences of Hillsborough families at the hands of the justice system, which has fuelled calls for reform.
And while the event took place, many football fans took to social media in support of the Hillsborough Law Now movement:
I've not watched #Anne yet – building myself up to it – but I know from Twitter how well it has been received and I hope it proves to be a catalyst for #HillsboroughLawNow to successfully lead to the justice reforms needed in this country. https://t.co/PC28hoAvZK
— Chris Mac (@chrismackop) January 7, 2022
Today sees the call for a ‘Hillsborough Law’ to rebalance the UK’s justice system and ensure fairer treatment for bereaved families. Anyone who has watched #Anne this week knows how important and long overdue that is. #HillsboroughLawNow
To learn more: https://t.co/qP6yLoUWor
— Sachin Nakrani (@SachinNakrani) January 7, 2022
Watching the #HillsboroughLawNow event. Brilliant contributions already from @AndyBurnhamGM & @MetroMayorSteve – reminding us that the fight for justice isn’t over.
Never fail to be inspired by the hero that is Margaret Aspinall too – forever saying it as it is.
— Cllr Eva Murray (@EvaCMurray) January 7, 2022
Stop public servants lying through their teeth (sometimes, in the case of @syptweet for decades) #HillsboroughLawNow ? pic.twitter.com/uI5hzCJt5d
— 97 Unlawfully Killed (@RichieG_LFC) January 7, 2022
Imagine losing a parent at #Hillsborough you & your sibling taken into care having a detrimental effect on the relationship with rest of your family & your life ahead of you is completely altered.
All because bizzies lied & labour and the Tories are corrupt#HillsboroughLawNow— Neill Dunne (@dunny61a) January 7, 2022
Imagine needing a law that makes the Bizzies tell the truth.#HillsboroughLawNow
— Huyton Fattie (@HuytonFattie) January 6, 2022
Watching #HillsboroughLawNow live on Facebook. Incredibly powerful speakers to listen to. I really hope and pray that this law is passed.
— ?Hopeful Soapbox? (@angrysoapbox) January 7, 2022
Everyone should support this. Nobody should have to go through such a battle for the truth again. History will repeat itself again without it #HillsboroughLawNow #JFT97 https://t.co/6AjTWC2dfk
— Lewis Jones (@LewisJones_90) January 7, 2022
This is more than football. It’s more than Liverpool vs the rest of the country. We need a Hillsborough Law and we need it NOW. #HillsboroughLawNow #JFT97 ???
— aims ?? (@af1804x) January 7, 2022
https://twitter.com/french_argument/status/1479442000537604107
Togetherness is the spirit of this live #HillsboroughLawNow live stream. Bereaved families of tragedies. Broken survivors. And political colours of red and blue.
This makes a huge statement. Truth and accountability is the spirit of this law. Hillsborough Law Now is a must.
— Kenny ?? (@redkenneth77) January 7, 2022
No one else should ever have to fight for the truth to be told #HillsboroughLawNow
— darren gotham (@DarrenGotham) January 7, 2022
https://twitter.com/KarlMullee/status/1479437733131079681
Justice for the 97. Hillsborough Law Now.
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