The impact of the findings of the Hillsborough Independent Panel continue to be felt across all walks of life, with the latest chapter in the tale - the move to overturn original Hillsborough inquest verdicts. The date for the High Court to hear Attorney General Dominic Grieve's application has been set for Wednesday, 19th December, after families of the victims pressed for a pre-Christmas hearing.

The Hillsborough Memorial
Reuters

A statement released by the Judicial Office, as quoted by Sky Sports, reads:

"The Attorney General's application to quash the Hillsborough inquest verdicts has been listed for a substantive hearing before the Divisional Court on Wednesday 19 December, subject to any applications by interested parties to adjourn. The Lord Chief Justice, sitting with two other judges, will hear the application."

Grieve's application was made, the Liverpool Echo reports, on the findings of the Hillsborough Independent Panel, which stated as many as 41 of those who eventually died had "potential to survive" beyond the 3.15 pm cut-off time set by original coroner Stefan Popper. In addition, the fact statements from police and ambulance services were changed was also presented as an argument for new inquests.

"For the hearing to be before Christmas would be an unbelievable present for the families. This is a massive step. The persistence and dignity that the families have shown over the last 23 and a half years has been inspiring. Today is their day," Liverpool Walton MP Steve Rotherman, said, adding, "They know the fight isn't over, but that they have moved a giant step closer to finishing the job and finally achieving justice for the 96."

A second Liverpool Echo report quotes Anne Williams, who lost her son Kevin, as saying the location of the hearing was The Strand in London. However, the report also adds the Judicial Office made no such statement, meaning it is as yet unknown where the hearing will be held.

Police Bill

Meanwhile, as part of the investigations into the truth of the Hillsborough disaster, the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) can now compel serving officers to provide evidence in person. This should allow for statements from as many as 2,400 officers, according to a BBC report.

And this new provision could, potentially, provide revealing details into attempts to deflect the blame of the disaster onto fans. The Hillsborough Independent Panel Report showed as many as 164 statements had been altered.

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