More than 40 supporters of the campaign – including some Everton fans – gathered at Temple Tube station on Saturday before marching for two miles in sunshine through the capital, before arriving at Downing Street.

Barry Thompson, from March4Justice, which organised the rally, said he was “truly overwhelmed” by the support, adding: “This is not just about Liverpool football club, this is not even just about football – the support we have had has been tremendous.”

Rosemary Stewart, wearing full blue and white Everton gear among the crowd of mainly Liverpool supporters, said: “These 20 years have been completely tainted by dishonesty.

“We demand that the truth comes out.

“We want the Government to release those files now.”

As the supporters marched along the side of the River Thames, the numbers swelled to more than 150. “Justice for the 96,” they chanted in unison as they walked towards Whitehall.

As the petitions were delivered to Downing Street, supporters gathered at the gates to chant “You’ll Never Walk Alone” – the song famously adopted on the terraces at Anfield.

A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: “There was a thorough and major inquiry by one of the country’s leading judges, Lord Justice Taylor, in 1989. This was followed by a thorough scrutiny by Lord Justice Stuart-Smith in 1998.

“However, the Government understands the continuing anxiety and concerns of those who lost loved ones.We will work with the Hillsborough Family Support Group to determine the best way forward.”