The government is accused of 'betrayal' by Hillsborough campaigners over its failure to introduce new legislation

Campaigners have accused the Government of 'betrayal' after ministers stopped short of introducing a 'Hillsborough Law'.

The legislation was recommended in a report by the Bishop of Liverpool six years ago, after inquests into the deaths of 97 Liverpool football fans crushed at the 1989 FA Cup semi-final in Sheffield.

The Right Rev James Jones called for the Government to give 'full consideration' to a law introducing a legal duty of candour on public officials to tell the truth and co-operate with official inquiries.

But finally responding yesterday, the Government said it had signed up to a Hillsborough Charter, pledging to place the public interest above its own reputation, but stopped short of legislation.

It will also consult on extending legal aid so bereaved families have an 'equality of arms' in legal representation during inquiries into public disasters, but no firm pledge has yet been made.

The Right Rev Jones said 'significant changes' had been introduced in response to his report.

He added: 'Although the Government's statement falls short of the hopes of the Hillsborough families it is a serious and substantial response.'

But the announcement left bereaved families angry.

Margaret Aspinall, whose 18-year-old son James died at Hillsborough, said: 'To me, it's like giving a child a packet of crisps but when you open it there's nothing in it.

'It's as simple as that. To me, that definitely does not go far enough.'

And the Hillsborough Survivors Association said: 'We demand something really simple, that laws are put in place to ensure any repetition of the police lies over Hillsborough would result in criminal charges.'

Elkan Abrahamson, solicitor at Broudie Jackson Canter and director of campaign group Hillsborough Law