Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to make representations to the South Yorkshire Police Federation concerning its response to the Independent Office for Police Conduct’s report The Hillsborough Disaster, published on 2 December.

I firmly reject the statement issued by the South Yorkshire Police Federation.

The unlawful killing of 97 people at Hillsborough 36 years ago remains a stain on our nation’s history, and publication of the Independent Office for Police Conduct’s (IOPC) report serves as a stark reminder of one of the most significant failings in policing the country has ever seen.

The conduct and criminal investigations were undertaken with the best of intentions and in the wider public interest.

It is extremely frustrating that none of these officers will face disciplinary action, as all of them had retired before the legislation that is now in place. This legislation means that police officers cannot evade misconduct proceedings by retiring or resigning, so these failings can never be repeated.

The IOPC’s report is clear there was a lack of candour from the officers involved. Thanks to the tireless campaigning of the families and survivors of Hillsborough, this Government is introducing the Hillsborough Law [Public Office (Accountability) Bill] which will place a legal duty of candour on public servants and authorities.