Government rejects ‘Hillsborough law’ in blow to victims’ families 

The Government has stopped short of introducing a “Hillsborough law” and has instead signed a charter promising no family will suffer the same injustices in the future.

In its long-awaited response to a report into the experiences of bereaved families, the Government pledged to “learn the lessons” following the 1989 disaster at the FA Cup semi-final in Sheffield in which 97 Liverpool FC fans died.

Former bishop of Liverpool, the Right Rev James Jones, set out 25 learning points in his report The Patronising Disposition of Unaccountable Power, published in November 2017 following inquests into Hillsborough deaths.

Campaigners had called for a new law in response to the report, but the Government said incorporating a legal duty of candour was not necessary.

In the foreword to its response, Home Secretary James Cleverly and Justice Secretary Alex Chalk acknowledged it had taken “too long, compounding the agony of the Hillsborough families and survivors”.

They added: “For this we are deeply sorry.”

This is a breaking story and will be updated.