In a recent development concerning the leadership landscape of the UK government, Mayor Steve Rotheram of the Liverpool City Region has faced increasing pressure to intervene regarding the controversial appointment of David Dinsmore, the former editor of The Sun newspaper, to a significant role within government communications. This appointment has reignited old wounds related to the tragic Hillsborough disaster, which remains a deeply painful chapter in the history of Liverpool and its community.
Sylvia Rogers, who is married to a Hillsborough survivor, vocally expressed her outrage at Dinsmore’s appointment during a recent BBC Radio Merseyside broadcast. She articulated that the decision has not only sparked “a lot of anger and distress” but also has serious implications for the credibility of the government. The Hillsborough disaster, which took place in 1989, resulted in the tragic deaths of 97 Liverpool supporters due to overcrowding during an FA Cup semifinal match. In the immediate aftermath, The Sun published a highly controversial front page falsely blaming the victims and exacerbating public outrage against the publication. It was only after a lengthy delay, 23 years, that The Sun finally issued an apology for its sensationalized reporting.
Rotheram’s response to the appointment was unequivocal. He asserted on air that someone like David Dinsmore “shouldn’t be anywhere near a senior government role.” This sentiment reflects the ongoing animosity many survivors and relatives hold towards The Sun and highlights the notion that Dinsmore’s new role could further entrench negative narratives surrounding the Hillsborough incident. Rotheram noted that even though the newspaper has apologized, the faulty narrative persists in the minds of many, casting shadows on the appointment’s appropriateness.
On the bureaucratic side, the Cabinet Secretary, Chris Wormald, defended the choice, stating confidence in Dinsmore’s capability to enhance governmental communications amidst the evolving media landscape. Dinsmore himself has described the opportunity as an “honor,” stressing the necessity for clear and engaging communication to foster public trust.
The ongoing discussion about Dinsmore’s role inevitably intersects with broader issues related to the legislation surrounding the Hillsborough disaster. Charlotte Hennessey, whose father was among the fatalities, raised concerns about the lack of progress towards establishing a “Hillsborough Law,” designed to ensure public servants adhere to a duty of candor. This law would legally bind officials to tell the truth about state-related disasters and provide legal assistance to affected individuals, should there be attempts to cover up injustices.
During a radio session, Hennessey pressed Rotheram on the state of this legislation, reflecting the urgency many feel regarding its introduction. Rotheram took a cautious but optimistic stance, indicating that while progress is being made, it is essential to ensure the legislation is acceptable to those affected. The Mayor pointed out that he preferred a thorough legislative process over hasty implementation that could undermine the intended impact of the law.
The failure to introduce the Hillsborough Law by the promised timeline has drawn criticism, particularly since Keir Starmer, the Leader of the Labour Party, had pledged to have it in place by the 36th anniversary of the disaster. With the upcoming Labour Party conference scheduled for September, both Rotheram and the stakeholders are anxious to see tangible progress before that key date.
The situation reflects not only the personal impacts of past disasters and their ongoing repercussions but also highlights the complexities of navigating political appointments in the context of historical grievances. It reinforces the necessity for sensitivity and accountability in public service, particularly in a community still healing from deep-seated trauma.
