As the spotlight shines on institutional failures in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and the Hillsborough tragedy, the UK government has passed a landmark law that will revolutionise how public authorities respond to inquiries. The Hillsborough Law imposes a duty on these bodies to cooperate transparently with investigations and provide funded legal representation for bereaved families – reflecting the resources available to state institutions in similar cases.
The Covid-19 inquiry's procurement report, published concurrently, paints a stark picture of state failings during the pandemic. Led by Baroness Hallett, it reveals that the UK was woefully unprepared, resulting in inadequate protection for health and care workers, with an estimated £10 billion of PPE spending wasted due to flawed purchasing arrangements. This led to avoidable infections and deaths. While Baroness Hallett's report did not explicitly endorse claims of institutionalised corruption or cronyism, it confirmed the existence of a 'VIP lane' that granted preferential treatment to suppliers with political connections during procurement.
The inquiry's findings are informed by the tireless efforts of bereaved families who drew inspiration from the Hillsborough campaign. The 27-year fight for truth and accountability culminated in a second inquest, which concluded that 96 victims were unlawfully killed and exonerated Liverpool Football Club supporters. This struggle laid the groundwork for the broader movement demanding state candour.
As the Hillsborough Law progresses to the House of Lords, its potential impact is significant – not least because it may become a defining part of Sir Keir Starmer's legacy. The bill has withstood internal government attempts to create an exemption for security services and will now face further scrutiny. A crucial compromise has been reached regarding intelligence matters, granting independent inquiry chairs the authority to decide what national security evidence can be withheld.
The timing of these developments holds added significance given that the next Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, is a staunch advocate for the Hillsborough campaign. Having witnessed the disaster as a teenager and later championing the cause, he has stated it took him 20 years to find closure – underscoring the need for systemic change in how public authorities operate.