Andy Burnham has joined fellow politicians and campaigners in once again calling for the introduction of a new ‘Hillsborough Law’.
Following the airing of hit ITV drama Anne starring Bolton-born actress Maxine Peake, which captivated audiences by telling the story of Anne Williams – who’s son Kevin was one of 96 Liverpool fans who lost their lives in the tragic event on the Leppings Lane terrace at the Sheffield stadium in 1989, and so she became a key campaigner for justice – the Mayor of Greater Manchester is now calling for a “fundamental reform”.
Mr Burnham paid tribute to the programme – in which he himself was depicted as a character, portrayed by actor Matthew McNulty – before saying that the current legal system is “cruel” for bereaved families.
The Mayor said he will be joining campaigners and Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram on Friday to demand change after repeating their support for the law’s introduction.
Unfamiliar with the ‘Hillsborough Law’ and what it’s calling for?
ADVERTISEMENT
The law – which was first brought to Parliament by Andy Burnham himself back in 2017 when he was an MP – would bring in a number of measures, including giving bereaved families better access to money for legal representation at inquests, and forcing public authorities to tell the truth during legal proceedings.
Mr Burnham says a change in the law is urgently needed to stop “a pattern” of a lack of candour “repeating itself”.
Speaking from the heart in a new campaign video shared to social media, Mr Burnham – who is an Everton fan, but has been has repeatedly scathing about the way the Hillsborough families have been treated by the legal system during their three-decade long fight for justice – said: “If we had a Hillsborough Law, it would make this country a place where truth and justice are more likely to happen.
“The lack of fairness in the system has meant we constantly see the same mistakes of history repeating themselves.
“We’ve seen what’s happened to the Hillsborough families, but also the families that have suffered from the contaminated blood scandal, and today, families fighting for justice for Grenfell.
ADVERTISEMENT
“This is a pattern that keeps on repeating itself, and until we have a Hillsborough Law, that pattern won’t be broken.”
Read more:New Hillsborough disaster drama Anne will air on ITV this weekend
ITV drama Anne tells the story of the Hillsborough disaster through the eyes of bereaved mother Anne Williams / Credit: ITV
He added in his press briefing this afternoon that: “The Hillsborough Law is shorthand for a comprehensive, fundamental reform of the legal and criminal justice system, to level up the scales of justice in favour of bereaved families.”
Mr Burnham said the government also had a role to play in responding to a report issued several years ago that outlines the experiences of the Hillsborough families in their fight for justice.
The report made a number of recommendations for legal changes.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Mayor of Greater Manchester added that: “People have been touched by Anne’s story, moved by what they have seen, and by the way, this will continue to go on until the system is fundamentally changed.
“Friday will be a major intervention with people from all walks of life coming together to make the call for a Hillsborough Law now.”
TfGM issues safety warning and advice for travelling on public transport during extreme heat wave – including ‘get off’
Daisy Jackson
Transport for Greater Manchester has urged passengers to ‘stay safe’ when travelling as the city braces for an extreme heatwave this week.
As well as issuing some safety advice, TfGM has also warning that delays and disruption are possible across the network as temperatures climb as high as 36ºC on Wednesday and Thursday this week.
Customers are being advised to carry water with them when travelling, and to wear light clothing.
Also included in the travel advice is to ‘get off’ public transport at the next stop if you feel unwell, to seek fresh air.
It’s also advised to allow more time for your journey and to check the latest information and advice before setting off.
And most importantly, passengers are asked to look out for each other, especially those who are vulnerable.
The Bee Network may experience disruption later this week as the overhead lines that power the trams and trains are often adversely affected by high temperatures.
TfGM’s Customer and Growth Director, Fran Wilkinson, said: “Very high temperatures are forecast this week that can affect both people and the transport network.
“We will have staff out to help those who need it, and I would encourage customers to take a few simple steps to stay safe and comfortable while travelling, such as by carrying water, travelling at cooler times of the day and looking out for others.
“Due to the heat, there may be some disruption to Bee Network or local train services and I would encourage people to check for the latest information and advice before making their journey.”
TfGM advice for travelling in heatwave
Carry water and drink plenty of fluids
Avoid travelling during the hottest part of the day where possible
Wear light clothing and stay in the shade
If you feel unwell while travelling, get off at the next stop and seek fresh air
Plan your journey, check for the latest information and advice before setting off and allow extra time to make your journey
Look out for other passengers who may need help, especially those who are more vulnerable
Bee Network staff will be out across the network to help passengers, who can get the latest travel information and advice by checking the website or app.
Manchester’s ‘busiest’ road set to close for annual safety inspections this weekend
Emily Sergeant
The Mancunian Way is set to close for its annual safety inspections this weekend.
As Manchester City Council looks to ‘improve’ what is, by far, one of Manchester’s busiest and most-used roads, given the fact it is the main thoroughfare in and out of the city centre, it has been confirmed that a two-day closure of Mancunian Way is set to take place this weekend so that essential inspection works can be carried out.
With an estimated 15 million journeys taken along this road annually, the Council says it’s vital that inspections are conducted to keep traffic flowing.
Taking place over the weekend, both carriageways and their slip roads will be out of use from 6am on Saturday 27 June until 6am on Monday 29 June.
The closure will run from the Chester Road roundabout and Fairfield Street.
🚧 Mancunian Way Annual Maintenance
The Mancunian Way and its slip roads will be closed on 27–28 June for essential inspections and repairs.
— Manchester City Council (@ManCityCouncil) June 22, 2026
Fully signed diversions will be in place during this time for vehicles travelling in both directions, the Council has confirmed – with diversion routes planned for Trinity Way, Great Ancoats Street, Bridgewater Viaduct, Whitworth Street West, Whitworth Street, and Fairfield Street.
Of course, this does mean that some disruption to the public is expected, with anyone travelling in and out of the city centre told to plan their journeys ahead of time, however the Council has chosen for the closures to be overnight so that any disruption is kept to a low a level as possible.
“Because of the tens of thousands of vehicles we see use the Mancunian Way every day, ensuring its proper maintenance and upkeep is essential”, commented Councillor Mandie Shilton Godwin, who is the Executive Member for Clean Air, Environment and Transport at Manchester City Council.
“There will be a level of disruption which is why we’d urge people to plan their journeys ahead and find an alternative route which avoids the closure.
“Thank you to everyone ahead of your patience as we carry out these essential works.”
Emily Sergeant -
6th January 2022 
