We see a love that refused to let go

THE families of the 96 Liverpool fans who died at the Hillsborough stadium in 1989, survivors of the day, and an army of supporters are an inspiration in their determination to secure justice.

The inquest, which lasted more than two years, has established they were “unlawfully killed”.

As David Cameron put it, the outcome is “official confirmation” that the Liverpool fans were “utterly blameless”.

The Crown Prosecution Service can now consider whether it will take action.

Everyone in the UK owes a debt of gratitude to those who pushed for the truth about the disaster to be laid bare.

This was an event in which human error led to the deaths of innocent people on a huge scale. Actions by the police – a branch of the emergency services which exists to protect the innocent – led to such people losing their lives.

One of the many disturbing aspects of this tragedy is that all this was clear on the day to thousands of fans. But it has taken more than a quarter of a century for the facts to be officially established.

Myths were peddled which linked the behaviour of fans to the deaths. This compounded the pain of the survivors and the bereaved.

Many of these people will have passed away in the years since the disaster and not lived to see this moment of exoneration.

Important lessons have been learned about crowd control and the risks established with major events. But it is also crucial that lessons are heeded about how victims can be denied justice.

When people in leadership roles contribute towards a tragedy it is imperative that the establishment does not close ranks. True leaders will accept responsibility and work to identify failings.

This saga is yet another example of the critical importance of transparency, ensuring that the public has access to the greatest possible range of information.

The inquest sat for hundreds of days and the harrowing truth emerged. Witnesses told their stories and the true picture of the day came into focus with devastating clarity.

It should not have been possible for false narratives about the events, which are now utterly discredited, to gain dangerous currency.

But the courage of those who testified has ensured that their descendants, historians, and future generations of fans can study a true account of what happened.

Their example should encourage people not just in the UK but around the world to ensure that important stories are told, that the truth is articulated, cherished and defended.

Forces of inertia and obfuscation can be overcome by those who possess greater resilience and integrity.

There are many reasons why people in Liverpool may feel angry and aggrieved but what shines most brightly is their love for the lost – a love that did not let go.

In pursuing justice, they have demonstrated the strength of their family bonds, the depth of their loyalty to one another, and the truth of their cause.

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