Margaret Aspinall receives Knowsley’s Freedom of the Borough award, advocating for a comprehensive Hillsborough Law.
Knowsley: Margaret Aspinall, a passionate campaigner for Hillsborough justice, just received the Freedom of the Borough award. It’s a big deal, and she’s been fighting for the families of the 97 victims for over 30 years.
At the ceremony, she spoke about how she wants a full Hillsborough Law, not just a watered-down version. Her son, James, was one of the victims, and she’s dedicated her life to making sure their stories are heard.
The event was emotional, with local kids singing ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone,’ which really touched everyone there. It was a moment to remember, and the whole council chamber stood up to applaud her.
Margaret expressed her gratitude, saying the award isn’t just for her but for all the families affected. She wished her mother could have seen it, as she would have been so proud.
She also talked about the Hillsborough Law, which aims to ensure accountability for families after tragedies. It’s about making sure public bodies cooperate with investigations, or they could face serious consequences.
Margaret mentioned that she spoke with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who promised that the law would be passed before the 36th anniversary of the tragedy. But she’s cautious, as there have been promises before that didn’t pan out.
She wants the full law, not just bits and pieces. After all these years, she’s still fighting for it, and she believes it would be a powerful legacy for all the campaigners and the 97 who lost their lives.
Margaret emphasized that no one has been held accountable for the unlawful deaths, which is a huge stain on the justice system. She’s determined to change that with the Hillsborough Law.
Reflecting on the potential passing of the legislation, she said it would make her and her son proud. If the law had been in place back then, the truth about that tragic day would have been known from the start.
She concluded by saying that the people of Liverpool have always stood by them, believing in their fight for justice. That unwavering support makes her proud to be a scouser.
