Govt To Appeal Hillsborough Files Release

A decision to release private Government papers relating to the Hillsborough disaster in 1989 is to be appealed by the Cabinet Office.

Earlier this month, the Information Commissioner (ICO) said the confidential papers detailing discussion the then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher had in the aftermath of the disaster should be made public.

In total, 96 people died in the crush at the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest in April 1989.

The Hillsborough Independent Panel, set up by Labour in 2009, is deciding what information on the tragedy should be released to the public.

But the Government has said it should release the papers first and allow the families of the victims to see the documents.

Sky's Glen Oglaza said: "There were an awful lot of questions in the immediate aftermath about the police operation - allowing the number of fans they did and the surge forward that caused the crush.

"No police officer has been prosecuted, much to the anger of the Hillsborough families.

"Secondly, the issue of access of ambulances to the pitch - were people treated as quickly as they could have been if access was better?"

A later inquiry found that the main reason for overcrowding at the ground was down to the failure of police control.

A Cabinet Office spokesperson said: "We are appealing the ICO's decision. The Government's view is that it is in the public interest for the process that is under way through the Hillsborough Independent Panel be allowed to take its course.

"The terms of reference for that process includes the intention to disclose information to the Hillsborough families first.

"The Cabinet Office absolutely agrees with the principle of providing information to families about the Hillsborough stadium disaster, but we believe it is important that any release of information should be managed through the panel's processes and in line with their terms of reference."