A mother who tragically lost her teenage daughters in the Hillsborough disaster is calling on Keir Starmer to communicate openly with the affected families and survivors. Jenni Hicks, whose daughters Victoria, 15, and Sarah, 19, were among the 97 Liverpool fans who lost their lives on April 15, 1989, at Sheffield Wednesday’s stadium, expressed her frustration over the ongoing debate surrounding the Hillsborough Law, which aims to prevent cover-ups.
The families of the victims have been advocating for the Hillsborough Law, which would establish a “duty of candour” for public authorities to disclose the truth and cooperate with disaster investigations. Despite the government acknowledging that the bill would significantly shift the balance of power to ensure accountability, its progress has been hindered by disagreements over how the duty of candour should apply to intelligence agencies without jeopardizing national security.
Jenni emphasized the urgency of resolving the issues surrounding the Hillsborough Law, urging all parties involved to come together and find solutions promptly. She highlighted the emotional toll that the prolonged discussions have taken on the families affected by the tragedy.
The Public Office (Accountability) Bill, initially pledged by Keir Starmer in 2022, has garnered support from a coalition of survivors and families impacted by various tragedies, including the Manchester Arena bombing, Covid-19, the Grenfell fire, and other historical incidents. Despite recent reports suggesting a positive development in excluding security services from blanket exceptions under the law, Jenni stressed the importance of receiving official updates rather than relying solely on media reports.
The community paid tribute to the Hillsborough victims with a minute’s silence before a Liverpool game, and further commemorations are planned, including a public event at Liverpool Town Hall. The government acknowledged the anniversary of the disaster, recognizing the enduring efforts of the families and victims in seeking justice and ensuring accountability for future generations.