Yvette Cooper MP Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary,  commenting on today’s update from the Independent Police Complaints Commission on the Hillsborough investigations, including the news the Home Secretary has accepted the proposal called for by Labour in Parliament to ask all police forces to release any Hillsborough-related files, said:

“I am glad the Government and the IPCC has accepted more action is needed over the Hillsborough investigations.

“We called in Parliament for the Home Secretary to instruct all police forces to provide any information to the investigations and I welcome the Home Secretary’s action.

“The IPCC’s announcement that allegations of surveillance will be looked at is also a step forward but they need to do more.

“I still believe it is extremely important that the families should be given the full truth in response to their concerns that they were put under surveillance simply because they were pursuing justice for their lost loved ones.

“I hope now all organisations will provide any information as a matter of urgency so there are no delays in the inquiries.

“The last quarter century has been immensely difficult for the families of the 96, and they know that the coming months will be very hard, too. We should strain every sinew to ensure that they get justice now.”

Steve Rotheram Labour MP for Liverpool Walton and Justice campaigner said: 

“Following the Home Secretary’s statement to the House of Commons which I requested earlier this month, I am delighted that both the Home Office and IPCC have reacted quickly to the points that both MPs and the shadow Home Secretary raised. It is vital that we continue to work together so that the families maintain trust and confidence in the process.”