Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed he would introduce a new law based on a campaign backed by a regional daily.

In an exclusive with the Liverpool Echo, the Labour leader has pledged to bring in a so-called ‘Hillsborough Law’, should he become Prime Minister.

The Echo last year backed plans for the legislation, which would help bereaved families to properly participate in inquests and bring an end to “limitless legal spending” by public bodies.

The newspaper has long campaigned for justice for the 97 Liverpool football fans who died as a result of the tragedy at Sheffield Wednesday’s Hillsborough stadium 32 years ago.

The Echo announced its backing for the campaign last year

Sir Keir confirmed the party’s plans to bring in the new legislation – also known as the Public Authorities (Accountability) Bill – in an interview with Echo politcal editor Liam Thorpe ahead of its annual conference in Liverpool this week.

Sir Keir said: “Labour stands unequivocally with the Hillsborough families. We’ve repeatedly called for the Hillsborough Law and making it reality would be a priority of my Labour government.

“As Director of Public Prosecutions, I spoke with the Hillsborough families, before the independent panel would decide whether criminal trials or an inquest should come first.

“Their raw pain was matched by their inspirational courage. Nobody should ever have to endure what they’ve been through.

“In July this year I visited the Hillsborough memorial and met with campaigner Margaret Aspinall, whose son James was amongst the victims of the tragedy.

“For Margaret, for James, and the 96 other lives tragically lost, we will change the law to stop this happening again.”