The South Yorkshire Police Federation has caused outrage by calling the IOPC‘s Hillsborough report “a important waste of taxpayers’ time adn taxpayers’ money.”
Well this taxpayer is fine with their money (£150 million) being spent when needed to hold people in positions of power to account.
On Tuesday, after 13 years of work, the Independent office for Police Conduct (IOPC) released a report into the Hillsborough disaster that is critical of the police.
It named 12 officers who would have faced gross misconduct hearings if they weren’t now retired or deceased.
• READ: Police watchdog release Hillsborough report – 12 officers named & 327 statements altered
The union for the South Yorkshire Police (SYP) said in a statement:
“The report is a significant waste of taxpayers’ time and taxpayers’ money. It is not fair or balanced.
“Former police officers – some of whom are very elderly and some who have sadly passed away – do not have any kind of due process or the ability to formally respond to the allegations made in this report.
“These are opinions of the IOPC essentially being dressed up as statements of almost fact. We emphasise that these are just allegations.
“our former colleagues do not have and have not had the right to reply to any accusations. They should not face trial by media.
“It is with this context that we should rightly question the value of this much delayed report and its multi million pound cost to the public purse.
“This report doesn’t help anybody involved in the Hillsborough disaster. Our thoughts remain with all those affected by this terrible tragedy.”
Calls Mount to Strip Former Police Chief Norman Bettison of Knighthood following Hillsborough Findings
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Calls are growing for former Merseyside Police Chief Constable Norman Bettison to be stripped of his knighthood following findings related to the Hillsborough disaster. Ian Byrne, the member of Parliament for West Derby, has tabled an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons urging Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to recommend to the King that Bettison’s honor be revoked. This move stems from concerns over Bettison’s conduct during and after the 1989 tragedy, and the belief that removing his knighthood is the only remaining meaningful sanction he can face.
Background: Norman bettison and Hillsborough
Norman Bettison served as a Chief Inspector with South Yorkshire police (SYP) in 1989, the year of the Hillsborough disaster where 97 Liverpool fans tragically lost their lives. He was later appointed Chief Constable of Merseyside Police in 1998, a decision that proved controversial given his role during the aftermath of Hillsborough.
The disaster occurred during an FA Cup semi-final match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield. A crush in the Leppings Lane end of the stadium resulted in the deaths of 97 fans,with subsequent investigations revealing significant failings by the police and other authorities.
IOPC Findings and the Push for Sanctions
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) conducted investigations into Bettison’s conduct. While Bettison retired from the police service in 2013, preventing criminal charges due to a statute of limitations for officers retiring before 2017, the IOPC findings have fueled the campaign to remove his knighthood. The early Day Motion highlights that this action is “the only remaining meaningful sanction bettison can face” given his retirement.
According to the IOPC report published in 2018, Bettison was found to have lied about his role in the aftermath of the disaster and attempted to shift responsibility for the failings of the police. https://www.iopc.gov.uk/newsroom/iopc-publishes-investigation-findings-former-chief-constable-norman-bettison
The Early Day Motion and Parliamentary Pressure
Ian Byrne MP’s Early Day Motion specifically calls on the Prime Minister to recommend to the King that Bettison be stripped of his knighthood “for the reason he is unworthy to retain it and to preserve the integrity of the honours system.” The motion emphasizes the importance of this action to the families and survivors of the Hillsborough disaster. https://edm.parliament.uk/early-day-motion/64846/independent-office-for-police-conduct-findings-on-norman-bettison
Bettison received his knighthood in 2006 for “services to policing.”
Key Takeaways
* Norman Bettison was a police officer during the Hillsborough disaster and later became Chief Constable of Merseyside Police.
* The IOPC found Bettison had lied about his role in the aftermath of the disaster and attempted to deflect blame.
* Due to his retirement in 2013, criminal charges are not possible.
* An Early Day motion has been tabled in Parliament calling for Bettison to be stripped of his knighthood.
* Families and survivors of the hillsborough disaster believe removing his honour is the only remaining form of accountability.
the outcome of the early Day Motion remains to be seen, but the continued pressure reflects the enduring pain and demand for justice felt by the Hillsborough families and survivors. The case highlights the complexities of accountability for past actions and the ongoing debate surrounding the honours system.
Worth a look