Nick Clegg backs Hillsborough campaign
By Phil ScullionFollow @PhilScullion
Nick Clegg has joined calls for the release of Cabinet papers relating to the Hillsborough disaster.
The deputy prime minister's intervention comes after an e-petition surpassed the 100,000 signatures needed to potentially trigger a parliamentary debate.
Ninety-six Liverpool fans died in the disaster on FA Cup semi-final day at Sheffield Wednesday's ground Hillsborough on 15 April 1989 and the issue has been at the centre of a 22-year campaign by Liverpool supporters.
Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg has asked his office to look into how victims' relatives can get hold of the papers.
A Lib Dem source, speaking to the Daily Mirror, said: "Nick is a Sheffield MP so is aware of how strongly people feel about Hillsborough and getting as much information as possible on what happened that tragic day."
The success of attaining 100,000 signatures will increase pressure on the Cabinet Office, especially as it follows on from a ruling by information commissioner Christopher Graham that the papers should be published.
However the Cabinet Office believes the Hillsborough Independent Panel, which was established under Labour, should oversee the release of documents.
Margaret Aspinall, chair of the Hillsborough Families' Support Group, has urged the government to "listen" to the people.
She said: "We have been saying it for 22 years. Give us the truth of Hillsborough, let us all get on with our lives."
A sustained online campaign from prominent figures such as Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish, who was also manager on the day of the Hillsborough disaster, has led to a huge wave of support for greater transparency over the issue.
