17 Oct 2011

MPs to debate Hillsborough files disclosure

MPs are set to debate releasing all the government documents relating to the Hillsborough disaster in response to an online petition.

Liverpool fans (Getty)

A demand for full disclosure of government documents relating to the Hillsborough disaster will be debated by MPs.

The House of Commons is considering the call after an e-petition garnered the signatures of more than 100,000 people. Ministers have already indicated they back the uncensored release of all material, including key cabinet minutes.

The Hillsborough families are particularly keen to learn about briefings South Yorkshire Police gave then-prime minister Margaret Thatcher during a visit the day after the 1989 tragedy at the Sheffield Wednesday stadium, in which 96 Liverpool fans died.

Home Secretary Theresa May is expected to restate the government’s position is a “commitment to full transparency about the Hillsborough disaster through full public disclosure”.

It is the second petition to be debated in the commons since the coalition introduced the e-petition system. MPs considered the riots last week, and are also set to discuss British membership of the European Union.

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