Peterborough councillors pass motion supporting government's Hillsborough Bill

Labour councillor Numan Iqbal put forward the motion at a full council meeting in Peterborough on December 3, which called on the authority to express support for the measures within the bill and 'recognise its ultimate meaning - that public servants must always serve the public'.

The Hillsborough Law Bill, which was introduced to Parliament on September 16, places a new legal duty on public servants to act truthfully and fully support investigations into the state, ensuring wrongdoing is not concealed.

It also replaces the current Misconduct in Public Office offence which more clearly uphold the high standards the public expect of officials, with tough sanctions including prison time for those who fall short.

At the full council meeting, Cllr Iqbal said: "We pay tribute to the 97, to the families and to the courageous campaigners who refuse to be silent.

"Their struggle has changed Britain and, because of them, no family should ever again have to fight the state to uncover the truth about what has happened to their loved ones."

Bereaved families will benefit from the largest expansion in legal aid for a decade as a result of the Hillsborough Law Bill, providing non-means-tested legal help and representation for inquests.

There will also be a new duty on public authorities to ensure any spend on legal advice and representation at inquests is necessary and proportionate.

Peterborough City Council's Labour leader Shabina Qayyum said: "It's having the strength and ability to face the public and admit that mistakes were made and you don't become a smaller individual for doing so.

"The public will largely appreciate people being honest and open."