This week, the Prime Minister personally opens the debate on Public Office Bill, also known as the The Hillsborough Law.  

He paid tribute to relatives who tirelessly campaigned for the truth about what caused the deaths of 97 Liverpool fans in a terrace crush at an FA Cup semi-final in 1989. 

Campaigners including Margaret Aspinall, whose 18-year-old son James died in the football disaster, were present for the start of a long-overdue debate. 

Families like Margaret’s didn’t just suffer the tragic loss of loved ones that day in Sheffield. In the days, months, years following, they were subjected to lies and smears by the state and the media. Their experiences were denied by the very institutions that should have protected them, many of them deemed less believable because of their working-class background.  

After decades of injustice for the Hillsborough families, I am proud that this Labour government is changing the law to ensure that these injustices are not repeated in the future.  

The Hillsborough Law will introduce a duty of candour on public servants, compelling them to tell the truth in the aftermath of any future disasters. The legal duty of candour means authorities will face criminal sanctions if they attempt to cover up future disasters. 

This bill means that no institution – or individual – is beyond the truth. No matter how significant the fallout, our public officials have an utmost duty to be honest.  

Unfortunately, we have seen numerous examples in recent years where the state has failed in its responsibility to protect citizens and on top of that, to be held accountable to them. Victims of the Postmaster scandal, the Grenfell Tower or the infected blood scandal have felt a similar pain to Margaret, waiting years to see justice delivered. 

I hope that the Public Office Bill will mark a key shift in the culture of the state and its relationship to all communities, particularly those who are unable to challenge state power.  

I will be proud to vote for this bill.