Hillsborough Law set for Commons vote on July 14 2026

A landmark bill designed to prevent state cover-ups and support bereaved families is set for a crucial vote in the House of Commons on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, marking a significant step after months of delays. The Public Office Accountability Bill, widely known as the Hillsborough Law, is expected to clear its final Commons stages, representing a major victory for campaigners who have fought for the legislation for a decade.

The bill, a key manifesto commitment for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, introduces a statutory "duty of candour" requiring public officials to act with honesty and integrity during investigations, with criminal sanctions for serious breaches. It also mandates the largest expansion of legal aid in a decade, providing non-means-tested support for bereaved families at inquests. The legislation is named in honor of the 97 Liverpool fans unlawfully killed in the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, whose families endured a decades-long battle against a state-sponsored cover-up.

Its passage through Parliament has been repeatedly stalled, primarily due to concerns from intelligence agencies MI5, MI6, and GCHQ about how the duty of candour would apply to their operations...