Sign up to FREE email alerts from Liverpool Echo - Weekly Politics Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Liverpool MP Steve Rotheram has firmly rejected Theresa May’s claim that she “ensured justice” for the families of the 96 victims of the Hillsborough disaster.

The Prime Minister sparked outrage today when she spoke in the House of Commons about what she has done in the past to support the British people.

After listing areas in which she believes her and her Government have fought for the public, she added: “And I ensured justice for the families of Hillsborough .”

Ms May was Home Secretary when the fresh inquests into the disaster were ordered - but people have been angered that she failed to acknowledge the role played by the campaigning families over the past 27 years.

One of those unimpressed people is Walton MP Steve Rotheram, who campaigned alongside the families to secure the unlawful killing verdict that was finally delivered last year.

Reacting to Ms May’s claim, the Metro Mayor candidate simply said: “The only people who deserve credit for taking on the establishment and winning are the families and campaigners who fought for 27 years for truth and justice.”

(Image: Victoria Tetley)

Mr Rotheram and his close friend Leigh MP Andy Burnham were two of the most prominent politicians to support the campaign.

As Lord Mayor of Liverpool in 2009, Mr Rotheram invited the then culture, media and sport minister, Andy Burnham, to address the 20th anniversary Hillsborough memorial service at Anfield – a major turning point in the campaign for truth and justice.

And in October 2011, the MP opened the Hillsborough debate in the House of Commons – famously reading out the names and ages of the 96 people who died in the disaster, the first time this had been done in Parliament.