The Hillsborough disaster plagued British politics and governance for the last 27 years. As the inquest continued, blame zeroed in on South Yorkshire police chief David Crompton for the long delay, causing undue stress to the victims' families. Andy Burnham, campaigner for the victim's families, demands for his resignation in a moving speech in the House of Commons.
Families of the 96 victims of the 1989 Hillsborough tragedy sought the resignation of Crompton. They attributed the long and agonizing wait for justice to be served to the chief constable.
Independent said that Burnham described the system as "rotten to the core." He spoke about a huge cover-up involving the 1989 catastrophe, which according to Burnham, has "advanced in the committee rooms of this House and in the press rooms of 10 Downing Street."
#Hillsborough vigil marks end of one fight and start of another @david_conn https://t.co/RBp1ih0DyA (Getty) pic.twitter.com/gKyaIy9jMt
— Guardian sport (@guardian_sport) April 27, 2016
"What kind of country leaves people, who did no more than wave off their loved-ones to a football match, sitting in a courtroom, 27 years later, begging for the reputation of their sons, daughters, brothers, sisters and fathers? " questioned Burnham. To this he subsequently stated that some "soul-searching" is what is needed.
Aside from asking Crompton to step down, Burnham also asked for government support to pay legal costs that families of victims incurred over time during the inquest proceedings. The inquest jury found that the 96 victims were unlawfully killed.
According to Home Secretary Theresa May, criminal negligence charges and perjury can be filed in light of the verdict. May also said that criminal liability must not be imputed on anybody while investigation is still ongoing.
Thank you all for your support xxxx pic.twitter.com/vp76JPrM7F — HFSG Official (@HFSG_Official) April 27, 2016
The Guardian mentioned that the blame for the Hillsborough disaster rested mainly on the shoulders of David Duckenfield, then an inexperienced police commander. During the inquest, Duckenfield admitted his failures which directly led to the deaths of the 96 attendees.
Later this year, the Crown Prosecution Service will decide whether the criminal negligence and perjury charges will be brought. In the meantime, families of the Hillsborough disaster victims are still waiting for justice to be served.
