Hillsborough Families Report: National Police Response

Question

Since April 1989, 97 people have died due to actions by South Yorkshire Police and other agencies. The cover-up delayed justice and caused additional suffering for victims' families. Bishop Jones's report from 2017 has not yet been responded to properly. The police recently issued an apology but it is insufficient. Will the Government implement a Hillsborough law with immediate effect?

Question

The apology is welcome but not sufficient; a proper response is needed. Will the Government publish its formal response this spring? Additionally, will they support an independent public advocate as promised in 2017?

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I thank my hon. Friend for securing this urgent question. I highlighted the tragic loss of life at Hillsborough and criticised the delay in providing a Government response to the Bishop’s report despite previous assurances. The Home Secretary's absence from the session is described as a failure of responsibility.

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The right hon. Friend pressed the Minister on implementing an independent public advocate, noting previous work done in his role as Justice Secretary.

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He commended the hon. Member for Liverpool, West Derby on securing the urgent question and expressed concern over delays in a full Government response. He also asked about engagement with families going forward.

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He highlighted the devastating impact of Hillsborough on South Yorkshire communities and asked for thorough engagement to ensure lessons are learned.

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She inquired about the Home Secretary's meeting with Bishop James Jones to discuss his report on Hillsborough.

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He highlighted personal experience of tragedy and paid tribute to Sheffield residents for their compassion during the disaster, asking that police forces learn from past mistakes.

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It is unconscionable that there has been no Government response to the bishop’s report since 2018. The Minister's delays are outrageous, and she points out her Public Advocate (No. 2) Bill which could advance legislation if the government would not object.

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Will the Minister commit today to the principle of the independent public advocate, to ensure that in future, families would be on a level playing field?

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It is an absolute disgrace that the Home Secretary left during a debate about Hillsborough, and he asks the Minister to come back before the recess in February with an actual date for when the response will be given.

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Will my hon. Friend ensure that there will be a duty of candour and other legislative measures to ensure that the police own up to their mistakes?

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Why is it taking so long for the Government’s response to the report and when will they finally listen to calls for the Hillsborough law?

Question

Why is the Government blocking this legislative vehicle for establishing the independent public advocate?

Question

The Minister has the ideal opportunity to back the Bill of my hon. Friend and we do not want to hear reasons why it cannot be done or that something will be brought forward in spring. The Government have an ideal opportunity to back this Bill on Friday. Will they do that? If not, why not?

Question

Will the Government block my hon. Friend's Bill when it comes before the House on Friday?

Question

Does the Minister agree that while plans to revise the police code of ethics are welcome, a new duty of candour on public authorities must have statutory footing?

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Will he go to the Ministry of Justice and get permission to ensure that my hon. Friend’s Bill is let into Committee on Friday?

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Can the Minister commit to supporting my hon. Friend’s Bill and an independent public advocate?

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Can the Minister commit in principle to a Hillsborough law that would place a new legal duty of candour on public authorities?

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Should the Home Secretary give a statement as soon as the police made an apology, expressing in the strongest terms that it would be sensible for her to come back at the next opportunity with a concrete date by which the Government will respond?

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Echoing comments made by Conservative Members about the generosity and warmth of Sheffield residents around Hillsborough on that terrible day, Clive Betts highlights the failures of the South Yorkshire police and the issue of caging grounds. He asks how the Government will ensure all police forces abide by recommendations in their report to prevent such tragedies.

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Gill Furniss thanks her hon. Friend for securing an urgent question about Hillsborough and describes personal memories of the tragedy in Sheffield. She emphasises the importance of supporting a Bill that will be debated on Friday to ensure justice and prevent similar disasters.

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Stephanie Peacock criticises the Government's response as inadequate and asks why they won't back a Bill on Friday that would give victims equal access to public money for legal representation during inquests.

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Clive Efford criticises the Home Secretary's absence from the urgent question and predicts that without government support, the Bill will be opposed anonymously by Whips. He urges the Government to show proper respect to victims' families.

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Jamie Stone emphasises the importance of a Hillsborough law and the need for public trust in police forces, which is currently undermined by recent events.

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Nia Griffith questions the implementation of the charter for families bereaved through public tragedy, asking how the Minister will ensure full training and regular updates on its requirements.

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Jim Shannon thanks hon. Members for their consistent efforts on this matter, urging the Minister to consider implementing Jones report proposals as a signal of change.