Hillsborough survivor Ian Byrne MP, who has led the parliamentary campaign for the law, told the BBC: “I’m absolutely delighted, and above all relieved, that we have finally secured the Hillsborough Law.
“This is a lasting legacy for the 97, for the survivors, the bereaved families, and for every person who has suffered at the hands of the state and been denied truth and justice.”
Sources close to the discussions said Andy Burnham, the likely next prime minister and a long-standing supporter of the Hillsborough families and survivors, helped persuade ministers to allow the bill to proceed without the changes campaigners had feared.
However, Sir Keir Starmer is also understood to have been keen to secure an agreement before leaving office, having made a personal promise to relatives of some Hillsborough victims that he would implement the law as prime minister.
Campaigner Jenni Hicks, whose two teenage daughters Sarah and Victoria died in the crush, thanked the PM.
She told the BBC: “I’ve asked Keir Starmer to make this his prime ministerial legacy, not just for the 97 victims of Hillsborough, the survivors and their families, but to ensure accountability for all victims of state wrongdoing.
“I’d like to thank Keir Starmer for finally listening and doing the right thing, which is long overdue.”
