Duncan Gibbins Expert Solicitors Express Views on Hillsborough Campaign
Our expert solicitors have expressed their views after over two decades the families of those who died in the Hillsborough tragedy are still in the dark about certain events which happened that day, 15th April 1989.
The Hillsborough Justice Campaign which calls for the simple right for families to see all of the documents relating to the event has hit record highs with the e-petition urging for their release.
The e-petition needs to acquire 100,000 names to force the House of Commons backbench business committee to consider granting it time for debate.
The petition has successfully received over 100,000 signatures to date, together with a Twitter campaign supported by Liverpool manager, Kenny Dalglish and Premiership footballer, Joey Barton.
Expert Solicitors: The story so far
The Guardian has revealed how earlier this week the Cabinet Office said it would appeal against a ruling from the Information Commissioner, Christopher Graham, who had approved a freedom of information request from the BBC.
Christopher Graham has argued how it would assist with public understanding of the disaster however the government have opposed this commenting:
“The Cabinet Office absolutely agrees with the principle of providing information to families about the Hillsborough stadium disaster, but we believe it is important any release of information should be managed through the panel’s processes and in line with their terms of reference.
“The Cabinet Office is fully committed to the disclosure process in line with the Terms of Reference and is working with the Panel to achieve that. The Panel have had access to all the information covered by this decision notice.”
The BBC states how the records include reports presented to Margaret Thatcher when she was prime minister including discussions between her office and that of the home secretary, Douglas Hurd.
Expert Solicitors: The people of Liverpool
For hundreds of family members to be told twenty two years after losing their loved ones that they do not have the right to access information about the tragedy, something which may help grant them closure, has no moral purpose.
Whilst the government sit tight and the procedural quarrelling continues, a huge sense of immorality and injustice ensues from this debate.
In March this year the Hillsborough panel said that they would review previously concealed documents, something again which has not yet materialised.
Paul Hayward, journalist for The Guardian, highlighted:
“The British obsession with secrecy and protection for those in power has stretched beyond all humane grounds the process of finding out, once and for all, what happened (and who was responsible) at an FA Cup semi-final in Sheffield more than two decades ago.”
Duncan Gibbins Expert Solicitor’s View
Daniel Taylor, senior solicitor for Duncan Gibbins Solicitors commented on the story:
“It’s extremely clear that supressing the evidence is just plain wrong. If the release of this information could go some way to stop the torment and anguish that so many families are forced to live with every single day, then why not?
“If the petition goes forward, then politicians cannot ignore this any longer – as a matter of public morality, so many people need to know the truth.
“This is an example the public pleading for transparency and openness in democracy and the government really ought to listen.”
Duncan Gibbins Expert Solicitors – Contact Us
If you would like to make a comment about this news story or any other news stories on our website, please contact one of our expert solicitors at info@duncangibbins.com.
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