Bishop stresses Panel commitment
The chairman of the Hillsborough Independent Panel believes it has been an important year in the families' quest for justice - and has reiterated his determination to publish a comprehensive report on government documents this autumn.
The Bishop of Liverpool, the Rt Rev James Jones, is overseeing the analysis of hundreds of thousands of documents relating to the tragedy in which 96 Liverpool fans died on April 15, 1989.
And on today's 23rd anniversary, he said: "At this time of year, more than ever, our thoughts are with the bereaved and the survivors of Hillsborough.
"Each year passing does not heal the wounds. On the 23rd anniversary, we are aware that during the last year several families have endured further loss of loved ones and our sympathies go to those families.
"Both nationally and internationally, this has been a year in which the strength of people's feelings on Hillsborough and their continuing support for the families has been made starkly evident in the launching of two successful e-petitions.
"We welcome the positive all-party response to, and support for, our work expressed particularly in parliamentary debate.
"The panel is aware of its profound responsibilities to the families and survivors to maximise access to the hundreds of thousands of documents from around 60 organisations and to carry out those responsibilities painstakingly and thoroughly.
"It is a complex and detailed task to research, analyse and report on the material and we will not be deflected from our obligations.
"As a panel, independent of government, we are steadfast in our commitment to the publication of a comprehensive report, scheduled for autumn, and the establishment of a permanent archive."