Business of the House

Ian Byrne Excerpts

Thursday 23rd April 2026 Commons Chamber

[Ian Byrne (Liverpool West Derby) (Lab)]

I warmly welcome the Government’s tabling of the carry-over motion for the Hillsborough law. A lot of people who were extremely worried about what was happening will be relieved today. However, that motion must be matched with urgency. Ministers must end the delays and deliver the law in full, as promised, without carve-outs for the intelligence and security services. That will achieve the cultural change that the country desperately needs, as we have seen this week. Will my right hon. Friend remind some in government that negative media briefings against key figures in the campaign risk undermining confidence in the process and should cease? Following the Prime Minister’s commitment at PMQs last week, will my right hon. Friend ensure that I am directly informed and included in all meetings and briefings moving forward as the parliamentary lead for the Hillsborough law campaign?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I thank my hon. Friend not just for his questions, but for his record on this matter. I know that he has a personal interest as someone who was at Hillsborough on that terrible day. As he says, we have tabled the carry-over motion, and I am pleased that he welcomes it. Briefings against anyone are never welcome, wherever they come from. I hope that those who might have briefed hear his words. In terms of keeping him updated, I will certainly draw his remarks to the attention of the relevant Minister.