![](https://emergencyservicestimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ESS-Button-resized.png")
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has promised that a new ‘duty of candour law’ for public officials will be implemented by April 2025.
Under the new law, which is due to be introduced to parliament in coming months, public servants and authorities could face criminal sanctions if they fail to cooperate with official investigations into major incidents.
The law is often referred to as the ‘Hillsborough Law’, named after the 1989 football-stadium tragedy which claimed the lives of 97 Liverpool FC fans, the 35th anniversary of which is in April next year.
The Hillsborough Law formed part of Labour’s election manifesto and will improve accountability and transparency in situations where public service failure is the subject of investigation and scrutiny, like in the case of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.
Speaking this week at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool, the Prime Minister said the legislation would be “a law for the 97”, as well as “a law for the sub-postmasters in the Horizon scandal, the victims of infected blood, Windrush and Grenfell Tower”.
He also spoke about those affected by the Grenfell Tower tragedy later in his speech, noting, “the power and responsibilities of government” and “the way it can make or break a life”.
He spoke of “the families and survivors of Grenfell Tower, whose dignity, for seven years, held up a mirror to this nation, asked us – do we really give an equal voice to all?
“They have all shown that the difference between service and government – true service – is that service must listen to people far beyond the walls of the state ad empower them to make our country better”.
IPA recruitment drive launched
This week also saw the launch of a recruitment campaign for a new champion to support victimes of major incidents.
The Ministry of Justice said recruitment for the Independent Public Advocate (IPA) began on 24 September and that the person selected for the role ‘will help victims of a major incident understand the actions of public authorities in relation to the incident’.
The new IPA will ensure victims’ views are taken into account during proceedings, speak to public authorities on their behalf, point them to any support and advice services and help them access information they are entitled to as part of any investigation, inquest or inquiry
The IPA role was created in Part 2 of the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024.
The advocate is expected to be in post next summer.
To read similar articles, check out our Leadership channel.
