Hillsborough – In praise of Steve Rotheram, Andy Burnham, Maria Eagle and others

It has taken far, far too long, but today may finally bring the truth – and some justice – for those who died at Hillsborough in 1989. Back in 2009, Andy Burnham said:

“Together with Maria Eagle, the local MP, we have called for full disclosure of any further documents that have not been put in the public domain and are held by any public body. Hopefully, that is a small step that might help people. My point is a simple one, that all information should now be out.

“There is a convention, the 30-year rule for official papers to be held for that length of time. But my argument to colleagues in government is that it is inappropriate in this case. People deserve the full facts now.”

Burnham was barracked by the Anfield crowd that day, but the Liverpool Echo calls it “a major turning point in the campaign for justice”. Steve Rotherham, now of course an MP, was Lord Mayor of Liverpool that day. He has campaigned tirelessly for justice for the 96, particularly with this speech – one of the most emotional and powerful I’ve ever seen in the house:

Andy, Steve, Maria Eagle and other Labour MPs who fought for the truth to come out deserve praise today. But it’s a great shame that it has taken so long, despite our 13 years in government, to get to this point.