Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to deliver a ‘Hillsborough Law’ later this year.
The prime minister’s reaffirmation coincided with the 36th anniversary of the tragedy took the lives of 97 Liverpool fans through unlawful killing in Sheffield.
Labour made the planned legislation, which will create a duty of candour for public bodies, a cornerstone of their manifesto at last year’s General Election.
But campaigners have yet to see the bill despite original plans for it to be brought before Parliament in advance of Tuesday’s latest anniversary.
Commons leader Lucy Powell recently stated the government will take ‘whatever time is necessary’ for the bill to ‘meet the expectations’ of bereaved families.
A spokesperson for Downing Street has since confirmed that additional time will be spent on the proposed Hillsborough Law to ensure a ‘best version’.
Sir Keir confirmed in a post on social media that his party will continue to take a measured approach when drafting the legislation before its first reading.
He said: “Thirty-six years ago, we saw one of the greatest disasters in our history. A disaster that led to 97 people tragically losing their lives.
“Today, I pay tribute to them. In the years since, their families and loved ones have campaigned tirelessly to get justice. Despite all the challenges they have faced, they have kept fighting.
“I promised to bring a Hillsborough Law before Parliament, with a legal duty of candour for public authorities and public servants, and criminal sanctions for anyone who fails to comply. I will deliver on that promise.
“After decades of injustice, we must get this legislation right. We must make sure it achieves what the people of Liverpool have spent the past thirty-six years fighting for.
“Standing firmly at the side of Hillsborough families, this is what my government will deliver.”