MP wants Hillsborough single meeting
Liverpool Walton MP Steve Rotheram has contacted Deloitte, the administrator brought in by HMV, to ensure all money made from the sale of the charity single 'He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother' goes to the Hillsborough families.
After weeks of campaigning and promoting, The Justice Collective's cover of the Hollies' classic edged tough competition, including X Factor winner James Arthur, to clinch the Christmas No.1 spot.
And after HMV announced it had gone into administration earlier this week, Rotheram wrote: "HMV were first-class in the way they promoted and sold the single over the Christmas period even hosting the launch in Liverpool One on December 17, 2012.
"I am devastated for the staff of HMV stores who are now facing the very real prospect of redundancy.
"I have made contact with Deloitte the administrator highlighting the need for them to give consideration to passport the residual monies owed to the charity from the sale of the single. I look forward to working with them to resolve this issue.
"It is worth reiterating that HMV did not make any profit from the sale of the single and that all monies collected by HMV stores were on behalf of the charity to assist the Hillsborough families in their continued legal fight for justice.
"In total, we sold almost 400,000 copies of the single both digitally and in stores. HMV were responsible for sales which generated receipts of circa £150,000, which we believe should be transferred via our distributor, Universal to the charitable account.
"I am confident that the administrators understand the special circumstances relating to this specific issue and will do the right thing and pass the monies owed to the families' charity fund as soon as possible.
"I once again wish to express my great sadness that such an iconic high street music store has been forced to call in the administrators, but recognise it is unfortunately a sign of the times for some businesses in the retailer sector in these uncertain economic times."