Fans inquest costs to be paid

The Government will fund legal representation for the bereaved families of the 96 victims of the Hillsborough disaster at the fresh inquests into their deaths, Commons Leader Andrew Lansley told MPs today.

The High Court today quashed the verdicts of accidental death for the 96 Liverpool football fans who died at Hillsborough in 1989.

The Home Secretary also announced a new police investigation into the disaster.

ITV News' Nina Nannar reports:

The need for this investigation into the Hillsborough disaster is based on the suspicion that there's been criminal activity and therefore there is a distinct possibility of convictions to follow based on new evidence.

A sum equivalent to the VAT receipts collected by the Exchequer on sales of the 'He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother' Hillsborough song by The Justice Collective up to the end of March will be refunded in the form of charitable donations.

The Home Office, Ministry of Justice, Department of Health and Department for Culture, Media and Sport will make donations, the Treasury said.

Families of Hillsborough victims will get extra money from sales of a charity single after Chancellor George Osborne confirmed he would effectively waive VAT on it.

The version of the Hollies' hit He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother by The Justice Collective is being sold to help cover their legal costs.

An official announcement came after a High Court ruling which quashed the original accidental death verdicts returned on the 96 who died and ordered a fresh inquest.

The song features artists like Paul Heaton, Sir Paul McCartney, Robbie Williams, former X Factor star Rebecca Ferguson and Spice Girl Mel C.

Bookies make it the odds-on favourite to take the coveted Christmas number one chart spot.

Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson has described today's Hillsborough inquest decision as a "watershed moment on the road to justice for the families of the 96".

He added: "I share their overwhelming relief that, after 23 very painful years, the inquest verdicts have been quashed."

"It is the only right and proper decision that the High Court could make in the wake of the overwhelming and compelling evidence uncovered by the Hillsborough Independent Panel.

"We must all keep up the pressure that has driven the momentum over the last few months to make sure that the families get the justice they deserve.

"I also welcome the new police investigation, which we all hope will result in those that played a role in causing the disaster and the monumental cover-up are brought to account."

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Labour leader Ed Miliband has called on the Government to refrain from adding VAT to The Justice Collective Hillsborough Christmas single.

Proceeds from the Justice for the 96 song go towards supporting Hillsborough families' legal costs.

Maria Eagle, Labour MP for Liverpool Garston & Halewood, described the High Court decision to quash the verdicts of accidental death for the 96 Liverpool football fans who died at Hillsborough as an "historical" moment.

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