Hillsborough law symbolises new era as power passes from Starmer to Burnham
A New Chapter Begins as Hillsborough Legislation Marks Political Transition
Hillsborough law symbolises new era as power - The passage of the long-awaited Hillsborough law has come to represent far more than just legislative progress. For Andy Burnham, whose political journey began with that emotional moment addressing Liverpool supporters, the timing carries profound significance. When he first stepped away from Westminster in 2009, he faced an angry crowd at the Kop on the twentieth anniversary of the tragedy. For two full minutes, chants of "Justice for the 96" echoed through the stadium before the then culture secretary could speak, their frustration evident at the lack of convictions for those responsible.
Burnham remained an MP for another eight years before departing in 2017. Shortly before leaving, he introduced legislation establishing a legal duty of candour for public officials, designed to prevent institutional cover-ups. The bill ultimately disappeared when Theresa May called a general election. Had he delivered this legislation upon his return to Westminster as prime minister, it would have been deeply symbolic and redemptive for him personally.
Starmer Takes the Stage
Instead, it was Keir Starmer who stood at the dispatch box on Monday evening as MPs approved his version of the delayed Hillsborough law. This outcome denied Burnham what might have been his moment. Yet the depth of feeling within Labour over this legislation meant that Burnham's decision to deliver his first speech since returning to parliament during the debate transformed the occasion. By telling the prime minister that this "truly is your legacy," he turned the moment into the opening salvo of a new era within the party.
The symbolic handover of power represented by the Hillsborough law mirrors an actual shift that has been underway since Burnham's victory in the Makerfield byelection. That result prompted Starmer to finally recognize the writing on the wall and announce his intention to step down. Since then, the outgoing prime minister has displayed renewed energy to accomplish his agenda, leaving some of his MPs wondering why he had not governed more assertively earlier. Had he done so, some speculated, his political fate might have been entirely different.
Building a Legacy
Even before Burnham returned to parliament, Starmer was securing his legacy through various initiatives. He announced the social media ban for under-16s, and in the days following Burnham's return, he delivered his long-delayed defence investment plan. However, he left Burnham with the challenge of finding an additional £5bn annually to fund it.
On the international stage, Starmer remained active. He joined the EU's €90bn (£78bn) support package for Ukraine, benefiting UK defence firms. He worked to smooth tensions with Donald Trump at the Nato summit in Ankara, signed a trade deal with Switzerland, and potentially prepared to travel to the United States if England reached the World Cup final.
The transition of power has been visible in other areas as well. The EU announced it was delaying the second "reset" summit with the UK after recognizing that a new prime minister might have different priorities. Burnham has also been making his presence felt on immigration policy. During the Makerfield campaign, he told the Guardian that Shabana Mahmood had been correct to address the issue at the Home Office, though a balance must be struck regarding genuine refugees.
Ten days after returning to parliament, Burnham stated he would ask the home and foreign secretaries to "review all possible options" to deport the ringleader of the Rochdale grooming gang. An amendment was subsequently added to the immigration bill to accomplish this. At the same time, he voted for the remainder of the legislation, with his team indicating support for Mahmood's changes to indefinite leave to remain and refugee settlement.
Full Circle
More moments marking the transfer of power will emerge as Starmer serves out his final days in office. Burnham will become Labour leader on Friday and prime minister on Monday. Yet none reflects this transition more than the Hillsborough law, not only because it connects Starmer and Burnham, but because it encapsulates what the prime minister-in-waiting says his government will represent.
"It does feel tonight like life is coming full circle," Burnham told MPs. "As we pass this momentous piece of legislation, a piece of legislation that will change the way this country thinks and works about justice, it truly is a rewiring of the state and a passing of power from the authorities to the hands of ordinary people."