Politicians` post-inquests: Thoughts and prayers on greatest miscarriage of justice
Britains political leaders reacted with a mixture of compassion and anger as Labours Shadow Home Secretary branded the Hillsborough disaster the greatest miscarriage of justice of our times.
Apr 27, 2016
By Nick Hudson
Britains political leaders reacted with a mixture of compassion and anger as Labours Shadow Home Secretary branded the Hillsborough disaster the greatest miscarriage of justice of our times.
Liverpool-born MP Andy Burnham said prosecutions must now follow the jurys monumental verdict. Mr Burnham, who was instrumental in setting up the Hillsborough Independent Panel while in Government, also attacked South Yorkshire Police for its handling of the disaster.
And Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn demanded those who peddled “vile and malicious lies” about Hillsborough be held to account while Home Secretary Theresa May told Liverpool
Mayor Joe Anderson her thoughts are with the families of the victims as she promised a full statement on Wedesday (April 27) in the Commons.
Mr Burnham said: The Hillsborough Independent Panel gave us the truth. This inquest has delivered justice.
Next must come accountability. For 27 years, this police force has consistently put protecting itself above protecting those hurt by the horror of Hillsborough.
People must be held to account for their actions and prosecutions must now follow.
Disgracefully, lawyers for retired police have attempted to continue the cover-up in this courtroom.
They made it an adversarial battle in defiance of the Lord Chief Justices ruling.
This has been brutal on the Hillsborough families and put them through hell once again. The current leadership of South Yorkshire Police needs to explain why it went back on its 2012 apology at this inquest, prolonging the agony for the families.
The sense of relief we feel is tempered by the knowledge that this day has taken far too long in coming.
This has been the greatest miscarriage of justice of our times. But, finally, it is over.
The struggle for justice has taken too great a toll on too many. But the Hillsborough families have at long last prevailed and finally their loved-ones can rest in peace.
And the survivors of this tragedy can finally be remembered for what they were on that day the heroes of Hillsborough who tried to help their fellow fans.
His words were echoed by Liverpool Walton MP Steve Rotheram, who was at Hillsborough on the tragic day in April 1989.
He said: I have waited 27 years for this moment. But I know it comes too late for many.
I was there on the day and saw the horror unfold before my very eyes.
Mr Corbyn, who paid tribute to friends and family of the victims, praising their “passionate and dignified” campaign, said the verdicts are a total vindication for their fight for the truth and for justice.
The Opposition leader added: In the immediate aftermath of the Hillsborough disaster there were some who painted those that died and the fans of Liverpool FC as drunken yobs and thieves.
“The findings of this inquest clearly show that to have been a lie fan behaviour didn`t cause or contribute to the disaster and the fans have been exonerated of any blame.
“All those that attended the semi-final 27 years ago were innocent victims and it is time that those who peddled those vile and malicious lies recognise the deep hurt they have inflicted on tens of thousands of innocent people – and are held to account.
City mayor Mr Anderson said the Home Secretary called him shortly after the verdicts were announced in Warrington.
She told me told me her thoughts are with the families and the city, and she cant imagine