Hillsborough families face delays in communication review findings

The report, led by forensic expert Glenn Taylor and published by the Home Office, addresses the communication failures experienced by bereaved families of the Hillsborough disaster and the Manchester Arena bombing. It highlights the need for timely meetings and improved communication, emphasizing the emotional toll on families who have faced delays in understanding the circumstances of their loved ones' deaths. For instance, Paul Price, whose partner died in the Manchester Arena attack, only met with the pathologist in 2023 due to the review's intervention. The Hillsborough disaster, which occurred in 1989, resulted in the deaths of 97 individuals, while the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017 claimed 22 lives. The original inquests into the Hillsborough tragedy were quashed in 2012, revealing significant flaws in the evidence presented, particularly regarding the timeline of events and the potential for survivability after the initial injuries. The review also noted that families were informed their loved ones' bodies were considered the "property of the coroner," a phrase not reported by families of the Manchester Arena victims. Recommendations from the report include a focus on survivability in forensic examinations and an increase in the number of forensic pathology trainees to ensure better handling of mass fatalities in the future. The Home Office's establishment of an independent review in 2022 aims to prevent similar mistakes from occurring again. The Conservative government has committed to a Hillsborough Charter, prioritizing public interest, but has not yet enacted a legal duty of candour, leaving some families seeking further accountability.