This is the joint statement released by Steve Rotheram and Andy Burnham in response to the news that charges will be brought against six people in relation to Hillsborough.
“To have to wait 28 years to see charges brought in respect of the 96 unlawful deaths is neither fair nor just. But the fact that this day has happened is all down to the extraordinary determination and dignity of the Hillsborough families in their pursuit of truth and justice.”
“Today is another momentous milestone on their journey. Without seeking to prejudge what will now happen, it is surely right that there will now be accountability for what happened on the day and for the cover up that followed. It is all the families have ever wanted and it is what we have all campaigned for. Justice will now at long last take its course.”
“It has been our privilege to have played a small part in supporting the families and survivors on this journey and belatedly trying to put right the many failings of the past. All the credit and all our admiration goes to those who refused to be silent, refused to go away and who never stopped fighting for their loved ones when those in power simply did not want to listen.”
“This moment belongs to the families, the survivors and the campaigners who supported them. We think too of those who fought for this day but did not live to see it. We pay tribute to them all. As well as accountability, they deserve a new law to be passed in their name that tips the scales of justice in favour of bereaved families and stops others suffering in future like they have. Our thoughts are with them all today.”
Steve Rotheram, Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester
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