Commons Sense

Hansard-based summaries and metrics

<-- Back to proposed bills

Public Advocate (No. 2) Bill

15 July 2022

Proposing MP
Maria Eagle Lab
Liverpool Garston
Type
Bill Debate

At a Glance

Issue Summary

The statement addresses the introduction of the Public Advocate (No.2) Bill aimed at addressing systemic failures in handling public disasters and ensuring families receive truth, justice, and support. Maria Eagle discusses the Public Advocate (No. 2) Bill, which aims to establish an independent public advocate for families affected by public tragedies. The statement discusses the timeline and plans for introducing an independent public advocate function, addressing concerns about the complexity of implementing such a system.

Action Requested

Maria Eagle is proposing the establishment of an independent public advocate to represent bereaved families and injured survivors in public disasters, ensuring transparency and preventing cover-ups. The bill requires a request from at least 50% plus one representative of the deceased or injured before action is taken.

Key Facts

  • It has been over 33 years since the Hillsborough disaster, where 97 people were unlawfully killed.
  • South Yorkshire police engaged in a cover-up and smear campaign for many years following the disaster.
  • The families of those killed had to wait 27 years to have correct inquest verdicts handed down.
  • The publication of the Hillsborough Independent Panel report took place in 2012, revealing the truth after 23 years.
  • Lord Michael Wills and Maria Eagle have been introducing a Public Advocate Bill since 2016.
  • The role of the independent advocate is not to replace existing legal advocates but to prevent issues over an extended period.
  • Bishop James Jones’s 2017 report made recommendations for a statutory duty of candour, equality of arms at inquests, and a charter for bereaved families.
  • The Conservative party committed in 2017 to establish an independent public advocate through a consultation but no response has been published.
  • The Government previously committed to providing a response by last Christmas, which did not happen.
  • Questions include how an independent public advocate should interact with investigative bodies and when they should get involved.
  • The government believes the Bill is a welcome addition but does not consider its specific proposals to be optimal.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy