MORE than 50 MPs from eight different political parties have signed a Commons motion calling on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to deliver on his promise to introduce the Hillsborough Law. 

The motion, proposed by Liverpool West Derby MP Ian Byrne, a survivor of the disaster, expresses “grave concern at reports that the government intends to bring forward a weakened alternative Bill, lacking the core principles and protections of the Hillsborough Law.”

It is backed by fellow Liverpool Labour MPs Kim Johnson and Paula Barker, Independent Alliance MP Jeremy Corbyn, Green Party co-leaders Carla Denyer and Adrian Ramsay, Plaid Cymru’s Liz Saville Roberts, and Liberal Democrat Tom Morrison.

Earlier this month Mr Byrne reintroduced the Hillsborough Law in the Commons, aiming to end the culture of state cover-ups, as seen over the Hillsborough disaster and other scandals such as infected blood. 

It would create a legal duty of candour on public officials and authorities, backed by criminal sanctions, ensuring bereaved families are granted parity of legal representation.

Ministers are understood to be fearful of the cost of more legal aid.

The motion “calls on the government to honour its word and the memory of the 97 lives lost at Hillsborough by enacting the Hillsborough Law in full, without delay.”

Responding to reports that the government could table a watered-down version of the legislation before Labour conference in Liverpool in September, Mr Byrne said: “That would not just be a profound betrayal. 

“Returning to Liverpool without first introducing the real Hillsborough Law — not a hollow substitute — would be a grave moral and political mistake.

“I urge the Prime Minister: Honour the 97. Fulfil your promise. Bring forward the Hillsborough Law before you return to Liverpool in September.”