Hillsborough Law

The Liverpool Echo has long supported the families of the 97 Liverpool FC fans who died at Hillsborough on 15 April 1989. The publication first called for a Hillsborough Law, or a Public Office (Accountability) Bill to ensure professional and legal duties of candour, in June 2022. Three months later, Sir Keir Starmer pledged to deliver the legislation in full if elected. 

The Echo has worked closely with campaigners including Hillsborough Law Now to ensure that promise remained on the political agenda. It marked the 2025 anniversary of the disaster with a special report and never missed an opportunity to pressure visiting politicians about the Bill. 

Hearing that the Hillsborough Law was to be laid before parliament in September 2025 was a humbling moment for the Echo team, who were invited to Downing Street and the House of Commons to witness the historic event. The occasion was marked with a front page remembering those who lost their lives. 

While the campaign for the Hillsborough Law was won by the families, the Liverpool Echo has been there behind the scenes, every step of the way. And as the Bill works its way into law, it will not rest in its campaign to amplify their voices.

Judges’ comments: “The campaign combines persistent political reporting, community engagement, and sensitive storytelling to maintain pressure on politicians and keep the promise of legislation alive over several years… The reporting is authoritative, empathetic and socially impactful, ensuring the voices of those affected remain central.”