Key facts
- The Hillsborough law, aimed at establishing a duty of candour for public officials and preventing cover-ups, has been approved.
- Andy Burnham, who previously championed similar legislation, returned to parliament and spoke during the debate on the law.
- The passage of the Hillsborough law is seen as symbolic of a power transition from outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer to Burnham.
- Starmer has also pursued other policy initiatives, including a social media ban for under-16s and a defence investment plan.
- International actions by Starmer include joining EU support for Ukraine and attending the Nato summit.
The passage of the Hillsborough law in the UK Parliament is being framed as a symbolic moment marking a shift in political power, with Andy Burnham, the incoming Labour leader and Prime Minister, playing a prominent role.
Burnham, who had previously attempted to introduce similar legislation, delivered his first speech since returning to parliament during the debate on the law. He described the legislation as a "rewiring of the state" that would shift power from authorities to ordinary people, highlighting it as a key part of his legacy.
While Starmer's government approved the law, Burnham's prominent involvement and his upcoming ascension to leadership suggest a transition from Starmer's tenure. The article notes that this power shift has been developing since Burnham's by-election victory, prompting Starmer's decision to step down.
In his final days, Starmer has been active on various policy fronts, including a social media ban for under-16s and a defence investment plan. He has also engaged in international diplomacy, participating in an EU support package for Ukraine, attending the Nato summit, and signing a trade deal with Switzerland.
However, the transition is also evident in other areas, such as the EU delaying a summit with the UK, anticipating a new prime minister with potentially different priorities. Burnham has also made his presence felt on immigration policy, advocating for a review of deportation options for a grooming gang ringleader while supporting other aspects of the immigration bill.