Stressed the necessity of changing laws to prevent prolonged legal battles following public disasters, noting that it took over 30 years for justice in the Hillsborough case. She proposed an independent Public Advocate role to facilitate transparency and support for bereaved families.

Emphasised that while the debate centres on Hillsborough, the lessons apply broadly to other public disasters such as the contaminated blood scandal, calling for reforms to prevent families from enduring similar prolonged suffering.

Congratulates Maria Eagle on securing the debate, acknowledges her work for Hillsborough families, discusses situations where public sector's defensive stance compounds victims' pain and suffering. Proposes an independent public advocate to support bereaved families after a disaster, emphasises the need for transparency and recognition of independence by families, advocates for urgency in implementation, and suggests considering alternatives to public inquiries under the 2005 Inquiries Act.

Welcomed the Government’s commitment to introduce an Independent Public Advocate, but criticised the delay in implementing this promise since the consultation ended on 3 December 2018. Emphasised the importance of delivering justice and support for families affected by disasters such as Hillsborough. Called for a clear timeline from the Minister regarding when the Government will act upon its commitment. Supported his hon. Friend's Bill, which aims to ensure that victims' families receive the necessary support and answers they deserve.

Neill expressed his respect for Maria Eagle and the Justice Committee's report on reform of the coronial system. He highlighted the importance of continuing the commitment to a public advocate, emphasising that the costs are minimal compared to the human value and public good generated by such reforms. Neill also stressed the need for improvements in the coronial system, including addressing issues like variation of practice between areas, lack of central support, and insufficient case management control. He further advocated for adapting the system to different types of cases, ensuring fairness for bereaved families, improving access to evidence, and strengthening procedural rules. Neill suggested expanding the definition of misconduct in public office or adopting perjury laws to hold individuals accountable based on their actions during non-statutory inquiries.

I thank my hon. Friend for securing this important debate, acknowledging the solidarity of Liverpool in times of tragedy. I emphasise the ongoing fight for justice and truth against those who spread lies about Hillsborough, referencing the recent loss of Andrew Devine due to brain damage from the crush. The city's resilience is exemplified by Jenni Hicks' commitment to fighting injustice for future disasters like Grenfell and Manchester Arena. We must continue striving for accountability in the criminal justice system, advocating for thorough legislation and an independent public advocate.

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for securing this debate of great significance. I honour the families of Hillsborough victims who have endured immense pain and grief, highlighting their determination in seeking justice despite lies and cover-ups from South Yorkshire police and lack of action by Governments. The right to a public advocate should be enshrined in law to prevent grieving families from navigating legal bureaucracies alone. My hon. Friend's private Member’s Bill will support this cause, aiming for cross-party support and ending the wait for truth and justice.

Mr Byrne thanked his colleagues for their support towards Hillsborough survivors and families, highlighted the unjust ruling by Mr Justice William Davis in May, and stressed the importance of proposed reforms such as the Public Advocate Bill to ensure justice for victims' families. He shared a personal account of his experience at the disaster and how it shaped his commitment to truth and justice.

Mr Howarth agreed with Mr Byrne's powerful case, mentioning his own experience attending the original inquest which was later overturned. He emphasised that an inquest should be about uncovering the truth but regretted how it failed to do so.

It is an honour to follow the hon. Member for Liverpool, West Derby in this debate, and I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Garston and Halewood on her tireless campaigning. I pay tribute to the bereaved families, survivors, and campaigners for their courage and tenacity. It has been 32 years since the Hillsborough disaster, and we are still seeking justice. The legal system needs reform to ensure that it does not fail victims of public disasters again.

I am grateful for this opportunity to speak on the issue of justice for Hillsborough victims. I pay tribute to those who have campaigned tirelessly for decades. The collapse of recent trials was devastating, and no criminal charges have been brought against individuals responsible for unlawful killings. I support the Public Advocate Bill proposed by my hon. Friend the Member for Garston and Halewood, which aims to provide legal support to bereaved families following major incidents. Additionally, there is a need for a statutory duty of candour in law to address unacceptable behaviour from public officials.

The Speaker urges a reconsideration of how survivors are supported, advocating for transparency and accountability. Recent progress includes commitments from the Government to improve legal support for some bereaved families, but more is needed. She questions the Minister about the lack of response on crucial reforms proposed by the Justice Committee, such as major reforms to the statutory duty of candour and a system for appealing coroners’ decisions. Johnson also discusses the Public Advocate (No. 2) Bill, which aims to establish an independent review and public advocate supporting families in seeking answers, improving trust and transparency in systems that often alienate relatives and survivors.

Supports the motion for reforming the criminal justice system to better respond to families bereaved by public disasters. Emphasises the need for an independent advocate and proper scrutiny of investigations, citing examples from events such as Hillsborough, Omagh bombings, Grenfell tragedy, and Manchester Arena bombings. Stresses that victims' families should be at the forefront of legislation with transparent investigative movements.

In my 21 years in Parliament, I thank Maria Eagle for securing this debate on the Public Advocate Bill (No. 2). The debate has included significant contributions from various MPs and the Justice Committee Chair Sir Robert Neill. This debate is crucial as it pertains to tragedies like Hillsborough and Grenfell where victims' families have faced immense suffering due to negligence, lies, and lack of accountability. For example, in the Hillsborough tragedy, 97 football fans lost their lives, and no one has been held accountable despite the acknowledgment of unlawful killings by the independent panel. Similarly, the Grenfell tragedy resulted in 72 deaths with ongoing untruthfulness from authorities and no convictions to date. The need for an independent public advocate is paramount to ensure victims' rights are protected, as promised in the Government’s 2017 manifesto. Labour supports the Public Authority (Accountability) Bill to hold officials accountable for truthful cooperation during inquiries. Additionally, Labour aims to end the imbalance of power by ensuring bereaved families receive public funding at inquests and inquiries to achieve basic equality with state bodies.

Thanks Maria Eagle for securing the debate and praises her speech. Acknowledges other MPs who contributed to the discussion, highlighting their importance in addressing the issue of support for bereaved families. Emphasises that the Government recognises the need to place the bereaved at the heart of any investigation following a major disaster. Supports the need for legal representation and cultural change to ensure proper participation of bereaved families in inquests. Mentions the report by Bishop James Jones, focusing on legal representation and cultural change as key factors in ensuring that bereaved people are treated with respect and agency. Discusses the 'A Guide to Coroner Services for Bereaved People' document which includes a code of conduct to prevent inequality of arms. Supports the removal of means-testing for exceptional case funding scheme applications for inquests, making access easier for bereaved families requiring legal aid. Acknowledges mixed reactions to the 2018 consultation on establishing an Investigatory Public Authority (IPA) and emphasises the importance of dovetailing with other support systems while considering recent significant events such as a general election and a pandemic.

Acknowledges Alex Chalk's point about avoiding stereotyping in any situation, particularly the incorrect stereotype of football fans involved in the Hillsborough disaster. Emphasises that such stereotypes are harmful and unjustified.

Thanked the Minister for his response and expressed disappointment with the timeframe provided. Highlighted the emotional impact of the debate and the power of contributions from survivors, emphasising the significance of proposed reforms such as a public advocate and recommendations by the former Bishop of Liverpool. Stressed that continued inaction would be unacceptable.

Acknowledged the honour of chairing the debate and concluded with the resolution being put and agreed to, regarding proposed reforms for better response to families bereaved by public disasters.