Ian Byrne MP backs ‘Hillsborough Law Now’ campaign
Liverpool West Derby MP Ian Byrne tonight spoke at the #HillsboroughLawNow campaign launch event. The online event was hosted by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham at the People’s History Museum in Manchester.
Hillsborough families and campaigners, Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram, Maria Eagle MP, former Prime Ministers Gordon Brown and Theresa May, and justice campaigners from public disasters across the UK all came together at the event to talk about the changes to the justice system that are needed to prevent others from experiencing the multiple injustices experienced by the Hillsborough families.
The #HillsboroughLawNow campaign wants to rebalance the scales of justice based on 4 key demands:
1. A charter for ‘Families Bereaved Through Public Tragedy’ legally binding on all public bodies
2. A statutory duty of candour on public servants during all forms of public inquiry and criminal investigation
3. Proper participation of bereaved families at inquests, through publicly funded legal representation and an end to near limitless legal spending by public bodies
4. A Public Advocate to act for families of the deceased after major incidents
Mr Byrne spoke about the importance of these changes to the law and also outlined why education and his Real Truth Legacy Project can be part of the legacy of Hillsborough.
He said: “I can’t put into words how humbling and emotional it is to be involved today with such an momentous and important project as securing a Hillsborough Law for future generations, so never again will we see the establishment be able to do what they did in 1989 to so many people and indeed a city and a class.
“The giants who fought for justice who are no longer with us will, I hope, be watching down with pride at what would be a fitting legacy for their efforts - ensuring no other families would go through what they were put through.
“Along with the aims of Hillsborough Law, another key element to be addressed must be the ensuring that the lies and smears constructed by the South Yorkshire Police force and their willing accomplices in the media and the political arena are consigned once and forever to the dustbin of history where they belong. I launched the Real Truth Legacy project in November last year with this in mind.
“The project will consist of two main elements. The first is a political education toolkit which can be spread through trade unions and Constituency Labour Parties and like-minded organisations interested in learning more about Hillsborough, the greatest miscarriage this country has ever seen.
“The second element is to make the entire story of Hillsborough part of the National Curriculum - and this will include a dedicated Hillsborough Day to take place on the nearest Friday running up to the anniversary of the tragedy.
“I have gathered support from across the Houses of Parliament with the Early Day Motion I put down in November calling for Hillsborough to be included in the national curriculum and on the back of a question to the Prime Minister in November have secured meetings with Education Ministers with the aim of achieving that goal.
“I look forward to working with all on this call both participating and watching in making the Real Truth Legacy Project a success and ensure the legacy of Hillsborough is never forgotten by future generations.”