Families of 96 secure law change
The Hillsborough families could be spared the anguish of returning to South Yorkshire for new inquests into the deaths of their loved ones following a change to the law.
The reform of the Coroners Act 1988 means the inquests could be held in Liverpool if the coroner presiding over the cases agrees.
Justice Minister Helen Grant said: "The anguish of losing a loved one in circumstances that require an inquest is unimaginably heartbreaking for any family.
"We want to ensure inquests can happen without unnecessary delays so families can find closure. That is why I am granting coroners the power to move inquests - at their discretion - to the most suitable location. This will bring about greater flexibility, more timely hearings and some relief to families."
New inquests into the deaths of those who died on April 15, 1989 were ordered in December on the back of a damning report into the disaster which exonerated supporters and highlighted significant failings by the police.
Today's announcement means the families will not have to travel across the country to discover how and why their loved ones died.
Labour MP Steve Rotheram - a friend of the campaign for justice - has welcomed the news.
"Today's welcome announcement will spare the families of the 96 the ordeal of having to return to South Yorkshire and relive the horror of the traumatic 1989 inquests," he said.
"In bringing this announcement forward from June, it is further evidence that the families' dignified campaign for almost 24 years is now finally forcing the wheels of justice for the 96 to slowly turn. For the first time in over two decades, momentum is on the side of the families.
"After today the judge who is appointed to preside over the new Hillsborough inquests will have the power to determine the location free from geographical constraints.
"It is vital that the process for new inquests proceeds without any unnecessary delays; and a judge be appointed, a location determined and time frame established, so that the families can move closer to finally understanding the actual cause of the deaths of their lost loved ones at Hillsborough."