THE REPORT OF the Hillsborough Independent Panel released earlier today has prompted a flurry of reaction and it has been perhaps the most important day for those affected by the disaster since its occurrence.
The report’s scathing assessment of the inadequate emergency response to the disaster that killed 96 Liverpool fans at Hillsborough stadium 23 years ago as well as the police cover-up and “unsustainable” verdict of of the coroner has prompted condemnation and apologies.
The day began with a statement in the House of Commons from the British Prime Minister David Cameron in which he said he was profoundly sorry as well as detailing some of the most shocking revelations from the new report:
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In a press conference a short time later, the medical consultant to the panel, Dr Bill Kirkup indicated that as many as 41 people could have survived the disaster had there been a better emergency response:
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Watch the press conference in full here.
Later the families of victims and survivors of the disaster held three separate press conferences with three different groups speaking including the Hillsborough Family Support Group, the Hillsborough Justice Campaign and Hope for Hillsborough. Click the links to view those press conferences.
Hillsborough Independent Panel members (from left to right) Raju Bhatt, Sarah Tyacke, Paul Leighton CBE, Peter Sissons, Bishop of Liverpool The Right Reverend James Jones (Chairman), Professor Phil Scraton, Dr Bill Kirkup CBE, Christine Gifford and Katy Jones at the Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral. Photo credit: Peter Byrne/PA Wire
South Yorkshire Police, who were heavily criticised in the report, also issued a statement and the current Chief Constable David Crompton said he was ashamed and shocked with the findings:
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Liverpool Football Club through its current managing director Ian Ayre issued its own statement in which the “despicable untruths” were heavily criticised:
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There were statements too from Sheffield Wednesday Football Club who play at Hillsborough, Liverpool FC captain Steven Gerrard, the club’s manager Brendan Rodgers and its chairman Tom Werner.
Celtic Football Club, who have a close affiliation with Liverpool FC having played them in the club’s first game after Hillsborough, also issued a statement.
The publication of today’s report has also seen a flurry of tweets sent out including these from a few notable public figures in the politicial and sporting world:
This evening a vigil was held on the steps of St George’s Hall in central Liverpool.
Hundreds gathered to hear speeches from the city’s mayor Joe Anderson, local politicians and the names of the 96 read out:
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