The Hillsborough Independent Panel will oversee the publication of papers
surrounding the 1989 tragedy in which 96 Liverpool football supporters lost
their lives.
The Right Reverend James Jones, Bishop of Liverpool, was today announced as
the chair of the independent body, along with terms of reference under
which the group will operate.
Mr Johnson said:
“Establishing the Hillsborough Independent Panel is a big step
forward towards releasing public papers to the Hillsborough families.
“I am delighted Bishop James has accepted the responsibility of
chairing the panel. He is respected across Liverpool and beyond for his
work for the city and its people.”
Work is continuing to appoint the other members of the panel to assist
Bishop James, who will chair its first meeting in Liverpool in the New
Year.
Bishop James said:
“To be entrusted with this highly sensitive task by the Home
Secretary is a humbling responsibility.
“I want to assure especially the Hillsborough families I will give
myself wholeheartedly to the work of the Independent Panel. The fact
that 30,000 people came to Anfield for the Hillsborough 20th anniversary
service shows how deep the wound is still, and how great the longing is for
healing.
“I am very aware that although many have waited years for this
Independent Panel, the recalling of 15th April 1989 will nevertheless
be a very painful and difficult time for all who were affected and for the
cities of Liverpool, Sheffield and Nottingham.”
The Home Secretary met family representatives in July to assure them that
papers would begin to be released as soon as possible. The families have
been consulted throughout the process of establishing the panel and in
appointing Bishop James.
Hillsborough Family Support Group chair Margaret Aspinall said:
“We welcome the appointment of a chairman and the publication of the
terms of reference and see this as a definite step forward in this lengthy
process.
“The Rt Reverend James Jones is a respected man of the cloth and we
look forward to his impartial leadership of the Panel in their difficult
task.
“The remaining members of the Panel are still “work in
progress” and we will continue to work with government to ensure the
Panel is suitably balanced and experienced to ensure a fair and proper
process.”
