Experts appointed to Hillsborough papers panel
An expert panel has been appointed to assess the maximum possible
public disclosure of governmental and other agency documentation
relating to the Hillsborough tragedy in 1989 and its aftermath.
An expert panel has been appointed to assess the maximum possible public disclosure of governmental and other agency documentation relating to the Hillsborough tragedy in 1989 and its aftermath.
The Home Secretary Alan Johnson announced the names of the seven panellists on January 26, including former deputy chief constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), Paul Leighton.
They will assist The Right Reverend James Jones, Bishop of Liverpool, who will chair the body overseeing the publication of papers surrounding the 1989 tragedy, in which 96 Liverpool football supporters lost their lives. It will meet for the first time in Liverpool on February 4.
Mr Johnson said: The new panellists are all experts in their field and will bring a range of vital skills to the work of the Hillsborough Independent Panel.
I am delighted they have accepted the responsibility of assisting Bishop James in releasing papers surrounding the terrible tragedy.
The team will work to produce a report on its work, outlining the extent to which the information disclosed adds to the public understanding of the disaster, and will make recommendations as to a permanent Hillsborough archive. The panel will also consult with the families to ensure that their views are taken into account.
The further panel members are:
Christine Gifford, member of the Lord Chancellors Advisory Council on National Records and Archives.
Katy Jones, television producer.
Paul Leighton QPM CBE, former Deputy Chief Constable of the PSNI
Dr Bill Kirkup CBE, formerly Associate Medical Director, Department of Health.
Phil Scraton, Professor of Criminology at Queens University, Belfast.
Peter Sissons, broadcaster.
Sarah Tyacke, former Chief Executive of the National Archives and Keeper of Public Records.
Mr Johnson said he also expects to appoint a suitably experienced lawyer to the panel in the near future.
I believe that the independent panel has an historic opportunity to bring healing to those affected by the tragedy, and that its establishment can help to begin to bring an end to the grievances strongly felt by many, he said.