Attorney General to apply for original Hillsborough inquests to be quashed (From Wirral Globe)

Attorney General to apply for original Hillsborough inquests to be quashed

12:32pm Tuesday 16th October 2012 in News

THE Attorney General is to apply to have the original verdicts quashed in the inquest into the deaths of 96 Liverpool football fans at Hillsborough.

Dominic Grieve QC will apply to the High Court to have the verdicts of the original hearing overturned before a new one can be held.

The announcement was made on Tuesday lunchtime in the House of Commons.

The move came after a damning report into the disaster 23 years ago laid bare a cover-up which attempted to shift the blame for the tragedy on to its victims.

Mr Grieve said he still needs further time to complete his application to make the strongest case.

It was clear there were "significant issues over the original inquest", Mr Grieve said. But he admitted the procedure "will take some time".

Ninety-six Liverpool supporters died in the crush at Sheffield Wednesday's Hillsborough stadium.

Wirral South MP Alison McGovern thanked the Attorney General and said his announcement marked a “hugely important day for the whole of Merseyside.”

Mr Grieve said the decision as to where the inquests would be held, should his application be successful, would be for the court and the coroner to make.

Ms McGovern said: “This is a huge development and we must pay tribute to the families who have worked so hard for this.

“They have had great determination in fighting for justice until this day and have shown such dedication to their loved ones.”