Did the Police's Apology to Hillsborough Victims Fall Flat?

A recent apology from South Yorkshire Police (SYP) regarding the Hillsborough disaster has been labelled "hollow" by the families of the victims and politicians alike. The police's failure to acknowledge the "pain and suffering" endured by the victims before their deaths has sparked renewed calls for justice, including a campaign led by Trevor and Jenni Hicks, whose daughters were among the 97 victims. They are seeking to amend official records that incorrectly state their daughters experienced "swift and sudden deaths".

Last updated: 27 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The Hicks family has launched a campaign to correct the court records regarding the deaths of their daughters, Victoria and Sarah, who died in the tragic 1989 Hillsborough disaster. Their campaign follows an apology from SYP, which, while described as "unreserved", has not been accompanied by any concrete action to amend the records officially. The police have not indicated any intention to revisit the court case, despite mounting evidence that contradicts the original findings.

Key takeaways

• SYP issued an apology but has not agreed to a new court hearing.
• The Hicks family is campaigning to amend official records of their daughters' deaths.
• New evidence shows the victims suffered for a longer period than previously stated.

Timeline: how we got here

The Hillsborough disaster occurred on 15 April 1989, resulting in the deaths of 97 fans due to a crush at Sheffield Wednesday's stadium. In the early 1990s, families of the victims, including the Hicks, sued SYP for damages, leading to a civil case where the "30 second rule" was used to argue that victims were quickly unconscious. This premise was later disproven by the Hillsborough Independent Panel in 2012 and subsequent inquests in 2016. The current campaign by the Hicks family began on 20 October 2023, following SYP's apology.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Following their campaign announcement, the Hicks family received a letter from Chief Constable Lauren Poultney apologising for the contested case and acknowledging past mistakes. However, the letter did not mention a new court hearing, leaving the Hicks feeling that the apology lacks substance.

What was already established

It has been established through various investigations that the original findings regarding the victims' deaths were based on flawed medical evidence, which has since been disproven. The efforts to amend the records have been ongoing for years but have not yet yielded the desired outcomes.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The ongoing situation has broader implications for public trust in police and judicial systems, especially regarding accountability for historical injustices. Families of victims are advocating for a system that acknowledges and corrects mistakes, which could influence how future cases are handled.

Businesses and jobs

The fallout from the Hillsborough disaster and its handling continues to influence the operations of public services and the police. There is a growing call for reforms that would enforce accountability and truthfulness from public officials, which could reshape the legal landscape surrounding public safety and emergency responses.

Policy and regulation

The Hillsborough Law, which aims to impose a legal duty on public officials to tell the truth, is gaining traction among advocates and politicians. If implemented, this law could significantly alter the relationship between the public and authorities, ensuring a more transparent system going forward.

Numbers that matter

• 97 victims died in the Hillsborough disaster on 15 April 1989.
• The "30 second rule" was based on flawed medical evidence that has been proven false.
• Official apologies have been issued by South Yorkshire Police but no new court hearings have been scheduled.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Hillsborough disaster: A tragic event in 1989 at a football match in Sheffield, resulting in 97 deaths due to crowd crush.
• 30 second rule: A controversial assertion that victims were unconscious within 30 seconds of the crush, which has been discredited.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Advocates, including the Hicks family, will continue to pressure South Yorkshire Police for a new court hearing to amend the records and acknowledge the suffering of victims.

Medium term (1–6 months)

The push for the Hillsborough Law may see increased momentum, with potential discussions in Parliament regarding its implementation and the need for accountability in public services.

Signals to watch

• Responses from South Yorkshire Police regarding a new court hearing.
• Parliamentary discussions and votes regarding the Hillsborough Law.
• Public opinion and media coverage surrounding the campaign and its implications for police accountability.

Practical guidance

Do

• Support campaigns advocating for justice and truth in historical cases.
• Stay informed about the developments regarding the Hillsborough Law and related policies.

Don’t

• Ignore the voices of victims' families when they seek to correct historical records.
• Take official apologies at face value without demanding accountability and action.

Checklist

• Understand the key facts surrounding the Hillsborough disaster.
• Follow updates on the Hicks family's campaign and the Hillsborough Law.
• Engage with local advocacy groups supporting victims' rights.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further developments depending on the actions of South Yorkshire Police and legislative bodies. There is no certainty that the Hicks family's campaign will lead to a new hearing, and public sentiment may also shift as more information comes to light. The complexities of legal and historical accountability could further complicate efforts for justice.

Bottom line

The recent apology from South Yorkshire Police has been met with scepticism, highlighting the ongoing struggle for justice faced by the families of Hillsborough victims. As the Hicks family continues to advocate for a correction of official records, the wider implications for public trust in the police and the potential implementation of the Hillsborough Law remain critical issues for UK society.

FAQs

What is the significance of the Hillsborough disaster?

The Hillsborough disaster is significant as it represents a major tragedy in UK sports history, resulting in 97 deaths and highlighting issues of crowd safety and police accountability.

Why are the Hicks campaigning for a change in court records?

The Hicks are campaigning for a change in court records to correct the inaccurate statements regarding their daughters' deaths, which have been proven to misrepresent the suffering they endured.

What could the Hillsborough Law change?

The Hillsborough Law aims to impose a legal obligation on public officials to be truthful in their dealings, potentially transforming standards for accountability in public service.