Saturday 15 April 1989: one of many darkest days in British historical past. 1000’s of Liverpool followers set out for Hillsborough stadium in Sheffield, full of pleasure for the FA Cup semi-final. Ninety-five of them by no means got here dwelling. Two extra died of their accidents years later. The horrible photographs from the bottom nonetheless hang-out us in the present day.What occurred on the day of the catastrophe was appalling sufficient. However what got here afterwards was a nationwide shame. The authorities closed ranks to cowl up their very own failings – involved extra with defending their very own reputations than the general public they have been presupposed to serve. And households, who had already misplaced every thing, have been compelled to look at on as their family members have been smeared and blamed for their very own deaths.On the first inquest, senior cops have been flanked by a military of taxpayer-funded attorneys, whereas the households scraped collectively what they might for a single barrister – all of the would possibly of the state towards extraordinary individuals, uncooked with grief. And it was solely after many years of battle that additional inquests lastly confirmed what the households had at all times recognized: that the 97 have been unlawfully killed and bore no accountability for the catastrophe. We will by no means permit this to occur once more.From second left: David Lammy, justice minister Alex Davies-Jones and legal professional normal Lord Richard Hermer lay wreaths on the Hillsborough memorial at Anfield, Liverpool, 15 September 2025. {Photograph}: Peter Byrne/PAOn Monday, in Liverpool, it was an honour and a privilege to fulfill the Hillsborough households. I used to be deeply moved by their dignity, resolve and, above all, selflessness in making certain that no others endure as they’ve.For 36 years they’ve fought for justice, and so usually within the face of hostility and indifference. And it’s due to their power that this authorities will now ship one thing that ought to have been performed way back: a Hillsborough legislation.This legislation will convey concerning the cultural change that so many have campaigned for. It features a new skilled and authorized obligation of candour. When one thing has gone badly unsuitable, public servants – from the bobby on the beat to the best workplace within the land – shall be below an obligation to behave with honesty and integrity always. Anybody who fails to take action will face prison prosecution.And will probably be supported with a brand new offence for flagrantly deceptive the general public, with these present in breach of the legislation dealing with as much as two years behind bars, together with changing the present offence of misconduct in public workplace with two new offences. These are critical punishments for critical wrongdoing, and are at least victims and their households ought to count on.And, studying the teachings of Hillsborough, and different tragedies since, we are going to rework the expertise of households at inquests. For the primary time, authorized support will mechanically be obtainable to bereaved households at inquests every time the state is represented – so these grieving won’t ever once more should cross the hat round to have their voices heard.A silent march, in 2022, to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the Grenfell Tower hearth. {Photograph}: Antonio Olmos/The GuardianWhile this authorities is bringing ahead the Hillsborough legislation, the credit score just isn’t ours. It belongs to the households of the 97, whose braveness and dedication, within the face of a lot adversity, has by no means faltered. And it belongs to the households and communities scarred by different disasters and scandals, who’ve fought with the identical persistence for accountability: Grenfell, the Manchester Enviornment bombing, Windrush, the Horizon scandal, and for everybody betrayed by the establishments meant to guard them.skip previous publication promotionSign as much as Issues of OpinionGuardian columnists and writers on what they’ve been debating, eager about, studying, and morePrivacy Discover: Newsletters might include details about charities, on-line advertisements, and content material funded by exterior events. In case you wouldn’t have an account, we are going to create a visitor account for you on theguardian.com to ship you this text. You’ll be able to full full registration at any time. For extra details about how we use your information see our Privateness Coverage. We use Google reCaptcha to guard our web site and the Google Privateness Coverage and Phrases of Service apply.after publication promotionI misplaced an expensive pal, Khadija Saye, in Grenfell. I do know what it’s to take a seat with households whose lives have been torn aside, and to really feel the load of a system that too usually meets grief with defensiveness and delay.The Hillsborough households got here collectively in 1989 in order that no different household would stroll this path alone. This legislation is their legacy. We can’t rewrite historical past. However with the Hillsborough legislation, we are able to be certain that it by no means repeats itself.
David Lammy is deputy prime minister and secretary of state for justice
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