THE 'Hillsborough Law' aimed at holding public bodies to account is set to be introduced by MP Andy Burnham to Parliament today, Wednesday. 

Known as the Public Authorities Accountability Bill 2017, the MP, who was educated at St Aelred's High, Newton-le-Willows, will outline the plans under the 10-minute rule.

The bill was conceived by the Hillsborough families in the wake of the inquests into the deaths of 96 Liverpool FC fans, which uncovered how the supporters were unlawfully killed following a lengthy fight for justice. 

The families of the victims, who died in the 1989 disaster, hope the law will act as an enduring legacy to the 96.

There were four victims with connections to St Helens which includes David Hawley, 39, from Thatto Heath and his nephew Stephen O’Neill who was 17, Nicholas Joynes, 27, whose parents lived in Sutton, and Jonathon Owens, who was 18.

The bill requires public authorities and officials to act at all times ‘with transparency, candour and frankness’ and to positively assist court proceedings, inquiries and investigations ‘where their acts or omissions are or may be relevant’.  

It also makes it a criminal offence for public servants to cover up actions.

Elkan Abrahamson, from Broudie Jackson Canter solicitors who represents 20 of the Hillsborough Families, said: "The Hillsborough inquest was marked by lies told by a minority of public officers, lies which were exposed with the help of properly funded legal representation. 

"Society needs a duty of candour to help prevent miscarriages of Justice on the future and parity of funding to help expose them when they occur."

Following the conclusions of the jury in the recent inquests, Prime Minister Theresa May asked the former Bishop of Liverpool James Jones to undertake a review of all matters relating to the Hillsborough tragedy.

The families have called on him to make ‘Hillsborough Law’ a central recommendation of his report which is due to be handed over to the Prime Minister soon.