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LIVERPOOL MP Steve Rotheram will today mark the 22nd anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster by telling the memorial service “there is progress” on the fight for justice.

Mr Rotheram and scriptwriter Jimmy McGovern will both speak at the Anfield memorial service for victims of the 1989 tragedy.

The Walton MP and Liverpool FC fan told the Daily Post his address would concentrate on “promises made and promises kept” as he reviews the progress made since his powerful call for justice at the 20th anniversary memorial service two years ago.

He said: “Andy Burnham [the then-Culture Secretary] was there and there was a bit of booing. I spoke to Andy afterwards and he was a bit shaken up.

“That was the moment he, as a Scouser, realised the depth of feeling over this.

“He promised he would work tirelessly to see to see if we could pull together what is now the Hillsborough independent panel.”

He added: “I know there is progress, but the panel have gone through thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of documents. It is a slow process.”

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish also praised the work of Mr Burnham while talking about this year’s memorial service yesterday.

He said: “I think it is getting closer to some positive news, but it has taken a long time to get to this point.

“Two years ago, Andy Burnham promised he would do the best he could to get access to some papers which were not due to be released for another three or four years and, to the man’s great credit, he has done that.

“They have got access now to some papers they have never had before, and that is why I am saying it is getting a bit more positive for the families.”

Margaret Aspinall, chair of the Hillsborough Family Support Group, will also speak today and said McGovern was moved to be invited to address the crowd.

She said: “It will mean a great deal, especially to the families and a lot of the fans as well – we were going nowhere until he did the [Hillsborough] docu-drama.”

In the city centre, the Town Hall bell will ring 96 times in a mark of respect to each of those who lost their lives. Lord Mayor Hazel Williams will lead prayers and a minute’s silence at 3.06pm.

She said: “It is important we continue to mark this poignant occasion and never ever forget the dreadful events of that day.”

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