MP's anger and sorrow over Hillsborough tragedy (From Thurrock Gazette)

MP's anger and sorrow over Hillsborough tragedy

6:40am Wednesday 24th October 2012 in News

THURROCK MP Jackie Doyle-Price has called the Hillsborough disaster a “failure by the state” – but insisted not all police officers there were in the wrong.

The borough’s Tory MP was born a stone’s throw from the football ground of Sheffield Wednesday where 96 Liverpool fans were crushed to death during an FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest.

Last month a new report concluded no Liverpool fans were responsible for the deaths and there had been a cover-up by the authorities, including the alteration of 164 statements by police.

Ms Doyle-Price told the House of Commons she worked for South Yorkshire police three years after the disaster.

She said: “We have seen how spectacularly the state failed in its commitment to protect the victims of Hillsborough.

“I remember that day very clearly, not least because friends and family were there. South Yorkshire Police has rightly been condemned for its failings.

“Although today is rightly about the victims and how we ensure the same thing never happens again, I want to pay tribute to all the police officers of South Yorkshire who behaved professionally and honourably, who are being unfairly maligned.

“It has taken an unacceptably long time for the victims’ families to get the truth, but I am massively inspired by their fight.”