Labour have blocked a bid to push a Hillsborough Law through parliament.
Ian Byrne introduced the original version of the bill drafted in 2017 due to the ruling party’s failure to enshrine the legislation into law by April this year.
The West Derby MP’s motion received cross-party support including from ex-Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and SNP’s Westminster leader Stephen Flynn.
But despite also being backed by local MPs Kim Johnson and Paula Baker, it was vetoed in the House of Commons by an intervention from Labour whips.
Sir Keir Starmer had made the Hillsborough Law, which would create a duty of candour for public bodies, a key pleged in his 2024 election manifesto.
The prime minister admitted to the Commons earlier this month that the bill would be brought forward but that he needed additional time ‘to get it right’.
Byrne, who was a survivor of the day that 97 Liverpool fans were unlawfully killed at Hillsborough, said he was ‘bitterly disappointed’ by Friday’s outcome.
“I called on the Prime Minister to keep his word and support the Bill,” he said in a statement.
“For the 97. For all victims of institutional failure. For truth and justice.
“But instead his Government blocked the Bill today. A promise made in Liverpool is at risk of being broken in Westminster.
“Reports now suggest the Government will table a replacement Bill before Labour’s conference in September – a watered-down version that falls far short of what was pledged, and of what victims and their families deserve.
“That would not just be a profound betrayal. Returning to Liverpool without first introducing the real Hillsborough Law – not a hollow substitute – would be a grave moral and political mistake.
“But there is still time to do the right thing.
“I urge the Prime Minister: stand with victims of state cover-ups. Honour the 97. Fulfil your promise. Bring forward the Hillsborough Law before you return to Liverpool in September.”