A regional daily has welcomed Labour’s plan to officially implement a law change it has campaigned for in the party’s manifesto.

Labour has pledged to introduce the so-called Hillsborough law, a long-fought cause for the Liverpool Echo.

The law would expand the financial and legal support offered during inquests and is named for the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, which claimed the lives of 97 Liverpool Football Club supporters.

In December, the Echo called on Labour to honour its promise to implement the law after the Tory Government stopped short of bringing it in in full.

How the Echo covered the anniversary in April

The commitment appeared in the party’s manifesto, launched on Thursday.

Posting on X, Echo political editor Liam Thorp said: “This is a huge moment for the Hillsborough families and everyone who has campaigned alongside them for a change in the law so that others will not suffer in the way they did as they fought for so long for truth and justice.”

Speaking to the Echo in April, on the 35th anniversary of the tragedy, Sir Keir Starmer said: “Today on the 35th anniversary of that dark day, I’ll be thinking about those lost, their families, and their enduring courage and determination to pursue justice.

“It is nothing less than insulting that after three and a half decades Hillsborough families still haven’t seen the legislative change they rightfully demand.

“As Director of Public Prosecutions, I met with Hillsborough families and saw the raw pain and grief they still carry. I promised then that I would do everything in my power to deliver the justice they deserve. That promise stands.

“This is why with my leadership, Labour stands unequivocally with the Hillsborough families. There can be no justice for those who died until we stop the same thing ever happening again. Making Hillsborough Law reality would be a priority of my Labour government.”