Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government why they have not responded to the report by The Right Reverend James Jones KBE The patronising disposition of unaccountable power: A report to ensure the pain and suffering of the Hillsborough families is not repeated, published on 1 November 2017; whether they support the recommendations concerning (1) the duty of candour, (2) the equality of arms at inquests, (3) the appointment of an Independent Public Advocate, and (4) a Charter for Families Bereaved through Public Tragedy; and whether they intend to support the enactment of the Public Authorities (Accountability) Bill.

The points of learning made by Bishop James Jones in his report span a number of departments and organisations and the Home Office is coordinating the Government’s overarching response to it.

Whilst the timing of the Government’s response to the Bishop’s report has been impacted by the need to avoid risk of prejudice during the Hillsborough criminal proceedings, work has been underway within the relevant departments and organisations to carefully consider and address those points of learning directed at the Government. With criminal proceedings having concluded, the Government is committed to engaging with the Hillsborough families and publishing a full response to the Bishop’s report as soon as practicable.

This response will address all the Bishop’s points of learning, including: a Charter for Families Bereaved through Public Tragedy; a duty of candour for public authorities and officials; and equality of arms at inquests.

On 1 March 2023 the Secretary of State for Justice announced the Government’s intention to legislate, as soon as possible, to introduce an independent public advocate; to put victims and the bereaved at the heart of our response to large-scale public disasters; to make sure they get the support they deserve through public inquests and inquiries; and to make sure they get the answers they need to move forward in their lives. He has also offered to meet the families and groups from Hillsborough, Grenfell and the Manchester Arena bombing.

The independent public advocate is an important step forward in ensuring that the pain and suffering of the Hillsborough victims, and other victims, is never repeated.