Families could get new inquests
Attorney General Dominic Grieve today announced that he would apply to the courts for new inquests to be held into the deaths of 96 football fans at Hillsborough on April 15, 1989.
The announcement follows a damning report by the Hillsborough Independent Panel last month, which revealed the truth about what happened on the fateful day 23 years ago.
It is a huge step in the families' quest for justice for their loved ones.
The fight for new inquests has been led by the families and, prominently, Anne Williams, whose son Kevin was one of the tragedy's victims.
In a statement to the House of Commons, the Attorney General said: "My consideration of the evidence in this matter is far from complete, but as I do not wish to cause the families of those affected by the disaster any greater anxiety, I've decided to take an exceptional step and announce that on the basis of what I've already seen, I am persuaded that an application to the courts for fresh inquests must be made.
"Ninety-six died as a result of what occurred at Hillsborough that day and 96 inquests were held. I believe that as all those deaths occurred from a common chain of events, it would be better for me to apply for all 96 to be considered again.
"However, I want to allow all the families affected the opportunity to make representations to me on that issue and I will be in contact with them."
Mr Grieve said that he would now take time to prepare the application so that the "strongest case could be made" to the courts. He said this work would be given priority.