What now for the Justice campaign?

Following the 20 year anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster, questions will yet again be asked about justice. Justice for the families that have endured the lengthy wait for any explanation from South Yorkshire Police as to what happened and exactly who was accountable for the fateful events of April 15th, 1989.

During the 20th anniversary memorial service at Anfield, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Andy Burnham MP - a Scouser - was booed by a section of the 30,000 crowd as he told them that he had a message from the Prime Minister. This caused fury, as the previous day Gordon Brown had insisted that re-opening the enquiry would not help anyone. Then something extraordinary happened in the days following the memorial service, in a dramatic u-turn, Mr Brown then announced that all official records relating to the tragedy would be released, ten years prior to when they should be.

Documents would reveal minutes detailing the conversations the day after the tragedy between police officers and then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. These could also determine whether or not police had tampered with statements taken by officers after 3.15pm, and furthermore bring to light any statements from Sheffield Wednesday FC, whose Hillsborough ground will forever be associated with the deaths of 96 Liverpool fans.

Inside Anfield on memorial day, Liverpool fan Carl Simpson said: “It was very moving, very poignant. I thought some of the singing to the players and clapping the players was a bit over the top, it’s not about the players... it’s about what happened, at the end of the day. Andy Burnham was doing OK until he mentioned the Prime Minister, and if he really supports us that much, justice would have been done.

"A fresh inquiry needs to be opened. I don’t think anyone today realised the depth of feeling that has gone before and will remain in the future. I think justice is achievable. With the press highlighting everything that has gone on in the last week it has been positive for the fans and the families.”

Alan Whitely, a Liverpool fan from Kensington, wanted clarification on Mr Burnham’s statement that seemed to be offering something, but no real hope to the justice campaigners. He said: “I think we got our point across today, and I don’t want to get too excited about what that MP said. These people make promises but I’ve heard it all before.”

The families and supporters will now have to wait for the 30-year rule to be suspended and the documents may reveal a lot. It is hoped that an independent committee will oversee the review, so the process can be transparent, and the families can get justice for the deceased. Their day could be coming.