Secret Government files compiled about the 1989 Hillsborough disaster are set to be released in the next two months.
Ninety-six Liverpool supporters lost their lives due to overcrowding on the Leppings Lane terrace during the 1989 FA Cup semi-final between the Reds and Nottingham Forest.
Last night Home Secretary Alan Johnson has pledged to release files, including those from the emergency services, Sheffield City Council and Sheffield Wednesday FC, about the tragedy to a panel which will include Professor Phil Scraton - who has conducted extensive research into the cause of the disaster - by September this year.
The bereaved families of those who died at Hillsborough are expected be given the chance to view the files in April 2010 - 21 years since the tragedy.
Jenni Hicks, who lost her daughters Sarah and Victoria at Hillsborough said: “There’s an awful lot which has gone on behind the scenes.
“Negotiations were so delicate so it had to be kept confidential until we could go public. Bereaved families will see everything.
“There are hundreds of thousands of documents – it’s not going to be an easy task.
“We stressed the need for accountability and justice for the 96 who sadly died that day and also those who survived the tragedy.
“We mentioned how important it was for Liverpool as a city and the people who support us.”
Health Secretary Andy Burnham, who was confronted with chants of 'Justice for the 96' as he read a statement from Downing Street at this year's memorial service at Anfield, will be involved in talks with the families alongside Justice Minister Michael Willis and South Yorkshire Police.
Today the Home Office issued a statement about the disclosure of the files:
“Hillsborough was a terrible tragedy and the Government is committed to full disclosure of information held centrally and by local agencies in order to help provide a permanent record of documentation relating to the tragedy," it read.
"The Government’s intention is to appoint an independent panel, ‘the Hillsborough Independent Panel’, to oversee release of this information.
“Disclosure will take into account the wishes of the families to protect sensitive and personal information about the victims.
“With this in mind, Government will seek to ensure representatives of the Hillsborough families will have prior disclosure of documents on an agreed timescale before they are made more widely available. We will continue to work with the families to complete this work.”
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