Hilary Meredith-Beckham backs new Hillsborough Law to level legal playing field

Hilary Meredith-Beckham has backed new legislation being brought forward today to implement the long-awaited Hillsborough Law.

Crucially, bereaved families will now have publicly funded representation at inquests, ensuring they are on a more equal footing with local authorities who are able to instruct lawyers.

Furthermore, a legal duty will be placed on public bodies to ensure their spend is always proportionate, stopping the state from hiding behind unjustifiably large legal teams at inquests.

As part of new guidance, expectations will also be established to ensure the state conducts itself with openness and honesty and acts with the sole purpose of helping the coroner establish the facts of the case to deliver answers for victims and their families.

Backing the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, Hilary Meredith-Beckham said:

“This is a huge leap forward in levelling the playing field for bereaved families during the Inquest process.

“In my 37 years investigating cases of military death in service, I’ve lost count of the number of times families have been given a totally false account of what happened.

“Being told the truth from the outset brings closure and peace for bereaved families while a lack of openness and honesty breeds resentment and anger. The state should never be allowed to hide behind the people it is supposed to serve.”