The long-awaited Hillsborough Law will improve transparency, accountability, and justice. To what extent? That is now down to Parliament.
Following decades of campaigning by bereaved families, survivors of the Hillsborough disaster, and other campaigns, the long-awaited Hillsborough Law will soon enter the Committee Stage in its passage through the House of Commons.
This new law entitled the Public Office (Accountability Bill) will make a big difference.
➡️ More transparency – duty of candour on public bodies and security services
➡️ Justice for bereaved families – non means-tested legal aid for bereaved families
➡️ Fewer institutional cover ups – criminal offences for misleading investigations
Read the briefing from Hillsborough Law Now, INQUEST, and JUSTICE North.
It is now down to Parliament to decide how robust and effective these measures will be.
Garden Court barrister Patrick Roche, who has represented Hillsborough families since 2012, said:
“As a member of the Hillsborough Law Now campaign, I support the Bill and the campaign’s suggested amendments.”
“Ministers agreed to work with Hillsborough families and the campaign to improve the Bill. It is time for them to deliver on their promises and ensure that this historic opportunity is not wasted.”
At Garden Court, we know that how the State responds to national incidents, crises, and disasters really matters.
Inquests and Inquiries are central to public accountability. They should help families and survivors understand what happened, expose institutional failings, and set out recommendations to avoid a repetition of past failures.
Our members have been involved in many of the most significant Inquests and Inquiries of the past five decades, working with organisations including INQUEST, JUSTICE North, and Hillsborough Law Now who have played a pivotal role in pushing for these reforms.
Garden Court recently marked 50+ years of fearless advocacy with a 50th Anniversary publication that showcases our long-standing expertise in Inquests & Inquiries, from Stephen Lawrence and Hillsborough to Brook House and Grenfell.
Missed it? Explore our 50th Anniversary e-Publication: 50-Cases-50-Years-of-Garden-Court-Digital-Publication.compressed.pdf
If you would like to contact Patrick Roche, please get in touch with the Clerking Team.
