US

Hillsborough victims’ families criticize police apology as insincere

The parents of two daughters who lost their lives in the Hillsborough tragedy, Trevor and Jenni Hicks, are seeking corrections to court documents.

Families and politicians have criticized a recent apology from police for previously downplaying the suffering of Hillsborough disaster victims, calling it insufficient.

A composite image of Sarah Hicks, who has blonde, shoulder-length hair and is wearing a black shirt, and Victoria Hicks who has brown wavy hair and a white shirt. — Sarah Hicks (left) was seen by witnesses in extreme distress about the fate of her younger sister Victoria (right)

Trevor and Jenni Hicks, who lost their daughters Victoria, 15, and Sarah, 19, in the 1989 tragedy, are seeking to amend official court records that inaccurately describe their daughters' deaths as "swift and sudden".

According to the Hicks, correcting the records would be a straightforward process, requiring only a statement to be read in open court by South Yorkshire Police.

Although South Yorkshire Police has offered an "unreserved apology" to the Hicks family, it remains unclear whether the force will take the further step of requesting a new court hearing to formally rectify the records.

The disputed records originated from a civil case in the early 1990s, in which families of the 97 victims sued South Yorkshire Police for the pain and suffering endured by their loved ones prior to their deaths in the stadium disaster.

The cases of Sarah and Victoria were used as examples, but the police lawyers cited a disputed medical claim, later dubbed the "30 second rule", which alleged that all victims lost consciousness within 30 seconds of being trapped in the crush at Sheffield Wednesday's stadium on 15 April 1989.

However, this claim was later discredited by the Hillsborough Independent Panel report in 2012 and subsequent inquests that concluded in 2016, which thoroughly debunked the initial premise.

Jenni Hicks, who has blonde hair and is wearing a dark suit jacket over a white top, and Trevor Hicks, who has white hair and is wearing a grey suit and white shirt under a dark greenish brown overcoat, sit on a low wall in front of a patch of green grass and speak to a journalist who is behind the camera — Jenni and Trevor Hicks have called on South Yorkshire Police to show "actions not words"

Fresh evidence, including witness testimony and expert analysis, revealed that Victoria and Sarah had actually suffered for approximately an hour, experiencing fluctuating consciousness as the pressure on the Leppings Lane terrace varied.

During a campaign event at the House of Lords, the Hicks family urged the government, judiciary, and justice system to reconsider how official records can be revised when new information emerges.

Trevor Hicks criticized the police stance, telling the BBC that it was based on an "untenable position that cannot withstand scrutiny", highlighting the need for a more nuanced understanding of the events.

Following the launch of their campaign on Friday, the group received a response from South Yorkshire's Chief Constable, Lauren Poultney, who expressed regret over the force's handling of the case in 1991, stating that it would not be defended if it were to be re-examined today.

Chief Constable Poultney acknowledged the significant mistakes made by her force, which resulted in loss of life, and described these errors as a source of profound regret.

Notably, the letter did not address the possibility of a new hearing or any potential next steps.

Trevor Hicks expressed disappointment with the letter from Chief Constable Poultney, characterizing it as insufficient.

Victoria Hicks, who has brown wavy hair looks into the camera next to her sister Sarah, who has blonde shoulder length hair and is wearing large hoop earings. — Victoria Hicks, 15, and her 19-year-old sister Sarah suffered for more than an hour before they died

Hicks emphasized that the families have received condolences for nearly 40 years, and he urged Poultney to take concrete action, suggesting that it would be straightforward for her to follow through on her words with a simple yet meaningful gesture.

A perceived discrepancy in South Yorkshire Police's stance has prompted confusion, given the apparent simplicity of the matter at hand.

Jenni Hicks acknowledged the apology as sincere, but emphasized that tangible actions must accompany the words to be truly effective.

The gathering also drew the attendance of Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester.

In his address, Burnham underscored the significance of enacting the Hillsborough Law, which has been delayed, as it would introduce a legal obligation for public officials to provide truthful information, with criminal penalties for non-compliance.

According to Burnham, the country continues to grapple with a troubled relationship between public officials and truthfulness.

The campaign for equality and justice in the country remains ongoing, as disparities persist between individuals and locations.

Baroness Theresa May, the former Prime Minister, expressed her support for the Hicks family after meeting with them, stating that it is astonishing they continue to face challenges in seeking acknowledgment of the truth surrounding their daughters' deaths.

According to Baroness May, the actions of South Yorkshire Police represent another instance of the evasion and lack of transparency that has characterized the past 40 years.

Baroness May urged South Yorkshire Police to reevaluate their stance and consider issuing a court statement that clarifies the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Sarah and Victoria, emphasizing the need for an end to the prolonged ordeal.

Up Next

Leaked messages reveal Streeting’s concerns about election and government criticism

Don't Miss

Palace expresses concern over Andrew allegations, offers police support

News

Document allegedly shows Andrew provided UK briefing on Epstein’s Afghan investments

A briefing that outlines “high value commercial opportunities” in Helmand province is contained within the Epstein files.

A document allegedly sent by Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to Jeffrey Epstein contains details about investment prospects in Afghanistan, specifically regarding gold and uranium.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, head and shoulder picture, giving a speech in 2010 — The former Prince Andrew travelled the world as the UK's trade envoy

UK officials had prepared a briefing for Andrew, then a trade envoy, which he later forwarded to Epstein in December 2010; the document outlines "high value commercial opportunities" in Helmand province.

This revelation follows a BBC report that Andrew had labeled the document "confidential" in an email, as seen in the latest release of Epstein files.

Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing related to his association with Epstein, and has rejected suggestions that he used his position as trade envoy for personal gain.

Attempts have been made to obtain a comment from Andrew regarding these developments.

Sir Vince Cable, the business secretary at the time, has described Andrew's sharing of the briefing as "appalling behaviour".

Thames Valley Police are currently assessing whether to launch an investigation into the apparent sharing of documents related to Andrew's tenure as trade envoy.

In addition to the Afghan document, emails in the Epstein files suggest that Andrew also sent official reports from his trade envoy visits to Singapore, Hong Kong, and Vietnam to Epstein.

The emails indicate that Andrew may have shared further trade documents with Epstein, including a batch of files labeled "Overseas bids" sent immediately after the reports from his South East Asia visits.

These files are likely "Zip files" containing multiple pieces of compressed information.

The Afghan document, compiled by UK government officials for Andrew, provides an in-depth overview of investment opportunities in Helmand province during a time of significant UK military and political involvement in Afghanistan.

As noted by Andrew in his correspondence with Epstein, the document is a "confidential brief" prepared by the Provincial Reconstruction Team in Helmand Province.

The briefing was prepared for Andrew during the same month he visited Helmand, where he met with UK troops.

It offers an assessment of the local economy and business opportunities, including the presence of "significant high value mineral deposits" and the potential for low-cost extraction.

The document highlights valuable natural resources such as marble, gold, iridium, uranium, and thorium, as well as potential oil and gas deposits, based on information gathered by UK government officials working on the Helmand reconstruction team.

According to official guidelines, trade envoys are expected to maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive commercial or political information related to their official visits.

Sir Vince Cable has called for greater transparency regarding Andrew's activities as trade envoy, citing his own unsuccessful attempts to access Andrew's file, which he found to be empty.

Sir Vince, who played a key role in ending Andrew's tenure as trade envoy, has expressed concerns about Andrew's actions during his time in the position.

A snippet of the briefing which begins Helmand: High Value Commercial Opportunities for Foreign Investment and says Brief for HRH Duke of York: 19 December 2010

"I have twice requested to see Andrew's file from his time as trade envoy, but it is empty," Sir Vince stated.

He recalled meeting Andrew once at Buckingham Palace, where Andrew asked him to find a useful role for him, but Sir Vince declined.

Following the first public reports about Andrew's friendship with Epstein in 2011, Sir Vince decided to discontinue Andrew's role as trade envoy.

The primary function of a trade envoy is to promote UK business interests abroad and encourage investment.

A diplomatic source, speaking anonymously, suggested that a trade envoy like Andrew might have shared information with potential investors to support UK business initiatives, potentially including those in Afghanistan.

Andrew's note to Epstein mentions his intention to "offer this elsewhere in my network, including Abu Dhabi".

A former senior trade official noted that while many reports seen by a trade envoy might be routine, some meetings could produce significant commercial opportunities.

"It's possible that the documents contained important commercial information that would have been useful," the former official said.

However, the official emphasized that such documents were not intended for sharing outside of government, particularly not with individuals who might use them for personal gain.

Andrew continues to face scrutiny over his links to Epstein, following the release of new documents by the US government, including photographs of Andrew with a woman.

He is under increasing pressure to testify in the US about his connections to Epstein and has recently relocated from his Windsor home to the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson stated that the King is prepared to support the police as they consider allegations against Andrew.

To receive the latest royal news and analysis, sign up for the Royal Watch newsletter; those outside the UK can sign up using a separate link.

Middle East

BBC reports from Tehran as Iran commemorates Islamic revolution anniversary

BBC correspondent Lyse Doucet has arrived in Iran, marking her first visit to the country since authorities suppressed widespread demonstrations against the government.

Iran's government has staged a display of strength to commemorate the 47th anniversary of the Islamic revolution, following a period of intense repression of anti-government demonstrations.

The BBC has gained access to Tehran for the first time since the authorities' crackdown on protests, which resulted in the deaths of at least 6,490 people, according to estimates by human rights activists.

Lyse Doucet, the BBC's chief international correspondent, observes that the capital's streets, adorned with festive decorations and filled with crowds of supporters, reflect the government's desired image of a unified nation, with Iranians demonstrating their allegiance to the Islamic Republic and its founding revolution.

Business

Over 180 survivors participate in Harrods abuse compensation scheme

Allegations of sexual harassment have been made against the late Mohamed Al Fayed, stemming from his tenure as owner.

Over 180 individuals who suffered abuse at the hands of Mohammed Al Fayed, the former owner of Harrods, are presently participating in the company's compensation program, according to the retailer.

A close-up picture of Mohammed al Fayed.

To date, more than 50 women have received compensation payments from the luxury department store.

Launched in March of the previous year, the compensation scheme will no longer accept new submissions after March 31.

In October, Harrods allocated over £60 million for its compensation plan, which aims to provide support to victims of alleged historical abuse.

The scheme offers a standard award of £200,000 to eligible claimants; however, those who undergo an assessment by a consultant psychiatrist may be eligible to receive up to £385,000 in compensation, in addition to treatment costs.

Claimants who opt not to undergo a psychiatric assessment will receive lower compensation amounts.

Applications received by the March 31 deadline will continue to be processed thereafter.

Additionally, Harrods will continue to provide counseling support beyond the deadline, including services from the Independent Survivor Advocate.

In 2024, human rights advocate Dame Jasvinder Sanghera was appointed by Harrods to the role of Independent Survivor Advocate, with the goal of meeting with as many survivors as possible and guiding them through the compensation process.

Justice for Harrods Survivors, an organization representing some of the victims, has stated that only a fully independent process can adequately address the needs of survivors.

Mohammed Al Fayed, who owned Harrods from 1985 to 2010, has been accused of rape and sexual assault by multiple women, with 146 individuals coming forward to report crimes to the Met Police as part of their investigation.

The Harrods Group operates several locations, including its flagship store in Knightsbridge, London, as well as smaller stores at Heathrow and Gatwick airports, and a chain of beauty stores.

KP Law, which represents over 260 survivors, has expressed criticism of the Redress Scheme, citing concerns that Harrods maintains full control over the process.

Tom Fletcher, a specialist lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, which supports some of the victims, has expressed satisfaction with the settlements secured for some of the firm's clients through the scheme.

According to Tom Fletcher, "Although no amount of compensation can fully compensate for the abuse our clients experienced, the amounts recovered under the scheme acknowledge the severity of the abuse and provide our clients with the necessary funds to access specialized support, enabling them to move forward with their lives."