This entry was posted on
Tuesday, June 29th, 2010 at
2:52 pm and is filed
under The Political Weblog Movement, Tories! Tories! Tories!.
[MINI-UPDATE (Sep 01) – Please scroll down for an important update. Jeremy Hunt has, as predicted, deleted his apology and every comment made in response, as if it never happened.]
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Jeremy Hunt has recently suggested that hooliganism caused the Hillsborough disaster in which 96 people died, then apologised “IF his comments caused any offence” (which many regard to be a more offensive gesture than his original remarks). There are, at the time of writing, 150 comments published under the short apology on his website.
But the people leaving comments on Jeremy Hunt’s ‘blog’ deserve to be warned that Jeremy’s apology is scheduled for deletion (probably within a month) along with any comment(s) they contribute.
No, I am not extrapolating wildly from Jeremy Hunt’s recent mass deletion of tweets; I have interviewed Jeremy Hunt about this matter specifically, and it is his stated policy that only “fresh” information be displayed on his ‘blog’.
In roughly 30+ days, Hunt’s apology will be removed, and every published comment submitted in response will be removed, too… and while this Portcullis-headed website may not be funded from Parliamentary Allowances and Hunt is free to conduct himself within the law on his own property:
1) It strikes me as a wee bit disrespectful (to the extent that it further undermines this apology)
2) I would question the integrity of a man who demands transparency from the BBC (for example) while systematically erasing his archives
I’m also of a mind to preserve this data, regardless of what Jeremy Hunt may think about its importance.
Below is a copy of Jeremy Hunt’s ‘Hillsborough’ apology, plus all of the comments published under it. This post will be updated frequently, acting as a mirror of the original post (until that entry is removed from Jeremy Hunt’s site, when it go on to act as an the archive, and will be formatted for easier reading once all the copying and pasting is behind us).
[ LAST UPDATE: 25/07/2010 | COMMENT COUNT: 196 ]
NOTE – If you wish to add your comments to the original thread, please do so here… while you still can! [dramatic sting]
Apology for Sky interview commentsI know that fan unrest played no part in the terrible events of April 1989 and I apologise to Liverpool fans and the families of those killed and injured in the Hillsborough disaster if my comments caused any offence.-
28 June 2010 by Jeremy Hunt
Comments
Appalling ignorant comment. I see you made no reference to the recent crowd disorder in London at chelsea, west ham and millwall last season. Then again,noting the location of your constituency,I’m not surprised.
Posted on 28 June 2010 13:10 by william campbell
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I don’t feel you are aware or else you wouldn’t have made the comment.
As a sports minister you should know full well the pain that still exists.
Posted on 28 June 2010 13:13 by Gavin
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Nice to see in this changing world that Conservatives like Jeremy Hunt are keeping up conservative standards for accuracy, standards & the truth. Nasty Tories alive and well!
Posted on 28 June 2010 13:17 by Eddie
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Then why did you say it. Same old Tories. How can we hope to receive justice when the secretary of sport and a member of the government comes out with lies that even the Sun newspaper would be proud of. Oh wait, that’s a Tory paper as well isn’t it?
Posted on 28 June 2010 13:24 by Alex
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You are nothing but a Clown to make such comments, hang your head in shame as these comments are sure to come back to haunt you!
Posted on 28 June 2010 13:35 by John Turner
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Too little, too late. You should have known better.
Posted on 28 June 2010 13:43 by Andy Holland
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If you knew – why suggest it in the first place?
Posted on 28 June 2010 13:43 by Ralph
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This is a highly emotive issue. I think you would do well to warn potential comment participants that you don’t plan on archiving the conversation.
Posted on 28 June 2010 13:45 by Tim Ireland
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Then why make the comments.
Posted on 28 June 2010 13:50 by dan johnson
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You know that fan unrest played no part at Hillsborough? Yet you still managed to state it did. Stand down Jeremy Hunt. Before you embarrass yourself further.
I also suggest you go to the following page and download the Taylor Report before comment further on subjects you obviously learn about through the Sun “newspaper”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taylor_Report
Posted on 28 June 2010 13:52 by adam caudill
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If you knew that, then why draw the parallels? What happened at Hillsborough was a tragedy, not the result of hooliganism. To imply otherwise is either ignorant, lazy or mendacious. Which one are you, Mr Hunt?
Posted on 28 June 2010 14:00 by KW
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I’m sorry Jeremy, but no amount of apologising can hide the fact that you were clearly ill-informed about the Hillsborough disaster. Which is quite amazing given the amount of media coverage regarding what actually occurred. I know of people that have family members who didn’t survive, I also know of people that *did* survive and are still struggling to come to terms with the events of that day even now. I hope you are ashamed of yourself to even think about putting the Hillsborough tragedy in the same context as Heysel.
Posted on 28 June 2010 14:08 by Lesley Mason
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As a lifelong Liverpool supporter and season ticket holder who lost a close friend at Hillsborough I’m deeply concerned by your naive comments.
As a Secretary of State who may have important involvement in the Hillsborough Inquiry Panel’s re-examination of the tragic events of April 15th 1989, your fundamental lack of understanding is astonishing.
Let us all hope that your ignorance of one of this country’s biggest public discussions over the last 20 years does not extend into other areas of your new job.
And they say Politicians are not in touch with the common man…..
Posted on 28 June 2010 14:12 by Dr Andrew Healy
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Isn’t there more than this? A couple of lines apology for a government minister peddling the same hurtful lies. Time to resign Jeremy.
Posted on 28 June 2010 14:13 by Gary Maguire
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if you know that fan unrest wasn’t the cause, why did you say what you said? shame on you. your comments cause huge offence to Liverpool fans and to the families of the 96 that died. perhaps you should scan through the pages of the taylor report before you make such comments. clearly you are just another tory who isn’t in touch with the people…shameful.
Posted on 28 June 2010 14:19 by kieran evans
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You’re a fool and should resign.
Posted on 28 June 2010 14:25 by Ryan
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U should be absolutely ashamed of yourself. It’s people like who are hiding the truth of that fateful day and then you lose respect by saying those comments. The 96 poor people who lost their lives that were fighting yes, but fighting for their lives because of the disgraceful actions of the police that day. Absolutely disgusted by wot you said and you should step down from your post
Posted on 28 June 2010 14:29 by Vicky
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As someone who was there on that dreadfull day and witnessed first hand what went on i take great offence at your unjust comments. You have no idea of the hurt your shamefull comments will have caused and all because you like many before you could not be bothered to look up the truth. We have waited 21 years for the truth and it is because of you and people like you we can not get it.
Posted on 28 June 2010 14:45 by mr steve hart
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I was at Hillsborough on that fateful day and whilst the people who died were certainly not drunks or hooligans there is no doubt in my mind that a vast number of Liverpool supporters were drunk and acting in a generally thuggish way. I was near the Leppings Lane end and saw these same hooligans trying to force their way into the ground through locked gates. Nobody deserved to die but the so called Liverpool ‘fans’ that I saw were certainly not blameless.
Posted on 28 June 2010 14:45 by Simon
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Oh and by the way, you didn’t even manage to pronounce Heysel correctly. HIGH-zul. NOT HAY-zel.
Shocking ignorance of even the most basic facts.
Posted on 28 June 2010 14:49 by Ryan
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Unbelievable. Well not really. I’m sick of people not getting their facts right. Especially a Secretary of State for Culture. It’s shocking. I’m Lost for words. Just shows how ignorant people are.
Posted on 28 June 2010 14:51 by nick
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Personally I think you should resign. 96 people died and their friends and family live with the loss every day. And that heartache has been made all the worse because of a reluctance to tell the truth. Remarks such as yours are completely insensitive and insulting. Do the decent thing and resign.
Posted on 28 June 2010 14:58 by Eddie
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While i’d like to believe you knew your facts before you spoke, unfortunately when you’re in the public eye you need to be much more careful and considerate Jeremy.
It’s comments like these why we are still fighting for justice today, and it certainly doesn’t help when you’re the secretary of state for Sport and Media.
A two line apology is far from enough for some people.
Posted on 28 June 2010 15:00 by Will Parish
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Jeremy,
suggest you read Phil Scraton’s book http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1845964950/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_3?pf_rd_p=103612307&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=1840181567&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_r=1GA6ZVQD96NCCGVRAK9M
I’ll even buy you a copy if you want.I’m reminded of the phrase “Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and confirm it.” In your position I suggest you do something about it!
Posted on 28 June 2010 15:07 by Stef
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An American LFC supporter, I remember Hillsborough quite well. I know that the S*N reported “facts” and they have been long disproven.
It’s a shame that 21 years later, the lies still go on.
Posted on 28 June 2010 15:08 by Jane
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as someone who was caught up in the crush at Hillsborough (thankfully escaped with just bruising) I am deeply insulted by your comments and as secretary for sport you should have known better
we have suffered for years due to tabloid distortions and just as you think people are now aware of the facts along comes someone else ill informed and the hurt starts all over again
if you knew Hillsboriugh was not due to hooliganism why mention it
if that is your level of knowledge I am of the opinion that you should not hold the office that you do and feel that you should resign
Posted on 28 June 2010 15:16 by keith coker
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You are a silly and ignorant man. Why are you the Culture Secretary? You have no idea what you are doing and it doesn’t bode well for 2018
Posted on 28 June 2010 15:20 by chris
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Clearly a lack of dignity as well as knowledge. An apology for a slip of the tongue does not carry any weight as you should never have linked the two incidents in the first place if you had any integrity as an MP for sport. You’ve made a terrible start to your role in the coalition farse!
Posted on 28 June 2010 15:56 by aron denham
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Your blog entry of 18 June relates that you are in South Africa ‘to lend my support first and foremost to our team and secondly to our World Cup bid for 2018. After gratuitously name-dropping the Royal Princes you state that ‘I am also here with a letter from David Cameron to Sepp Blatter inviting him to Downing St to discuss the merits of our bid.’
Afraid that anyone with even a passing interest in football would not have made such a calamitous blunder as with your recent Hillsborough gaff – has David Cameron selected the correct person to be entrusted with this important portfolio?
Even the terseness of your apology, as compared to the length of the 18/06 posting, suggests a lack of real concern. How about putting a little bit of effort into extracting all the facts that South Yorkshire Police have attempted to hide for decades.
YNWA – do you even know what that means? I wonder!
Posted on 28 June 2010 15:59 by Roger Taylor
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It is precisely these sort of comments that continue to cause endless hurt on Merseyside.
Posted on 28 June 2010 16:03 by Beryl Flatley
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Do the decent thing and resign.
I am sure that after a couple of months Cameron will find a way for you to get back into the frontlinePosted on 28 June 2010 16:04 by Kevin Lee
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You should resign and your salary could go towards cutting the deficit.
Same old Tories, Thatcherism is alive and well.Posted on 28 June 2010 16:07 by Pete Norton
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If you really are apologetic and it was a mistake then I suggest you click on the various links and read the Taylor Report to inform yourself of the facts. If you see the injustice after reading all these facts, how about you do something about helping obtain justice for the families of the victims?
It’s why you’re supposed to be in politics, regardless of what party you’re in.
If you can’t see the injustice, or you can but can’t be bothered doing anything about it – then go and get another job and stop taking up space.
Posted on 28 June 2010 16:09 by Terry Cooper
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The ConDems, as the Coalition is known in Liverpool already mistrust your party but some were willing to give you a chance before your 2 left feet got involved.Nice one.
Posted on 28 June 2010 16:11 by ken
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Typical clueless politician out of touch with the real world. You obviously have no idea on the subject that you seem to be a secretary of state for.
If you have any remorse you should resign and give someone who has a clue a chance at the job.Posted on 28 June 2010 16:14 by Ian Jones
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absolutely stupid and ignorant.
shut your mouth and engage your brain before you pass flippant comment about something you clearly no nothing about.
96 innocent lives lost and idiots like you still make inflamatory, utterly unfounded and extemely hurtful remarks regarding the crowds behavior.
shame on you
Posted on 28 June 2010 16:16 by richard
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You are an absolute disgrace! How on earth have you got to such a position if you are show such naivety and ignorance to one of the most outrageous injustices in modern history?! Very worrying. I don’t think for a second that you will resign, so please do the next best thing and back whole heartedly the campaign for JUSTICE!
Posted on 28 June 2010 16:16 by Dicky Wills
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normally,i would start with ,”dear sir”,,but as you have shown no respect for the 96,,why should i,your utter contempt for the truth was as low as the sun newspaper,and the south yorkshire police’s on that fateful day,how dare you even call yourself decent,or say sorry,the facts are there in the taylor report,you should have read it first,better still go and talk to the families of the people who this trajedy has affected,,then again you wont have the time,because the numbers are vast,by the way,,heysel,,is spelt this way,not the ignorant way you put it.do the right thing and stand down now,,or find DAVID DUCKINFIELD,and work together.all we want as LIVERPOOL FANS IS JUSTICE FOR THE 96,,YNWA ANFIELD REDS.
Posted on 28 June 2010 16:16 by dave lewis
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Why are you still holding the post of Secretary for Culture, Media and Sports when you are obviously so ignorant as to make such a comment in the first place?
Posted on 28 June 2010 16:25 by Karen
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28.06.10
Mr Hunt,
RE: Your slanderous comments regarding the victims and survivors of the Hillsborough Disaster
In light of this, latest, slander by a Conservative Party politician against the 96 dead and injured survivors of the Hillsborough Disaster you may wish to note the following information.
I hope it may help you to understand why your comments and your limp apology are causing outrage on Merseyside and elsewhere.
The damage that is done to your own party by the comments will of course be significant.
The previous role of Conservative Party politicians regarding Hillsborough Myths is well known here and will be further highlighted by your comments.
You may recall that in the immediate aftermath of the Hillsborough Disaster The Sun newspaper released a story under the headline “The Truth”.
It contained various lies including that it was fan conduct led to the disaster – a lie you have repeated today.
Questions in parliament revealed that the basis for “The Truth” story had allegedly been provided to The Sun by a Conservative MP in the Sheffield area.
The Sun, which has a well known anti-Merseyside agenda, did not check the facts and repeated the Tory MPs comments as fact.
Kelvin McKenzie the editor of “The Sun” at the time has admitted a number of times that they based their story on a briefing given by a Tory MP.
That Conservative MP was allegedly briefed by South Yorkshire police
The police in seeking to cover up their negligent stewarding outside the ground, had immediately distributed black propaganda.
This was done as the families of the dead and dying and injured men, women and children were mourning and caring for their loved ones.
It was truly barbaric police media operation and very bad journalism.
“The Truth” story also maligned the fans who were helping the dead and dying at the ground.
The Conservative MP was a leading Mason. That is a matter of public record.
The MP had close ties with South Yorkshire police as he was an MP.
Whether he also had such contacts in his role as a leading Mason is unknown and I make no allegation on that.
It is a matter of public record, however, that police generally have been investigated for the involvement in the Masons.
As such Police Officers must now declare membership to avoid perceived conflicts of interest.
In any event the Tory MP allegedly spoke to The Sun after being briefed by the police.
He was either not concerned with or deliberately decided not to check the police story before opening his mouth to The Sun.
So the libel and slander against the dead and dying fans was released to the world as they lay in the morgues and in their hospital beds.
As the funerals took place in the coming weeks neither the Conservative MP, The Sun or the police retracted “The Truth” story.
The enquiry into the disaster revealed that none of the fans were to blame.
It found that it was the stewarding decisions of the police that were the cause of the disaster.
The Sun took many years before it apologised.
The Sun under commercial and legal pressure eventually admitted that the story planted by the police and (allegedly) passed on to The Sun by the Tory MP was false.
This was a sorry episode for the Tory party and the police and News International.
It is one which is well remembered in Merseyside and other parts of the country.
Since that story was printed the Sun sales have never recovered in Merseyside.
All the above is well known in Merseyside and is a matter of public record.
I have not recorded the name of the Tory MP as he did not as far, as I am aware, comment publicly on his alleged role.
His name was only revealed in the House of Commons debate by another MP who of course was covered by parliamentary privilige.
As such it is only an alleged involvement.
As far as I am aware, however, there was not a formal denial from that Tory MP of his role.
As far as the Tory party is concerned history seems to be repeating itself.
You have not explained yet what led you to make the comments.
Why is it that it is only Tory politicians and Tory newspaper columnists that make these stupid comments year after year?
No other party does.
It will be noted that 21 years later and you, the Cabinet Minister for sport no less, repeats the same black propaganda of your colleague in Sheffield.
Your apology, it is noted, is one of those non – apologies that weasel politicians give as an alternative to actually apologising.
It is not heartfelt and is therefore meaningless.
You say you only apologise “if my comments caused any offence”.
So you leave open the possibility that your comments may not have caused offence.
That shows that you just do not get it.
It may surprise you to know that repeating the black propaganda against the dead and the survivors of the disaster does indeed cause great offence.
An idiot would know that it would cause such offence.
If you do not recognise the harm caused then you appear to be educated beyond your intelligence.
Either that or you are a cynical individual, who despite all the evidence to the contrary, does hold the view that the fans were to blame.
If you are genuine you should change your apology to say:
“I am very sorry for the offence I KNOW I have caused. I have decided, therefore, to resign from my position as Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport as I recognise that I cannot hold the trust of football fans and the families of the victims of the Hillsborough disaster following my wholly incorrect comments.”
You should also be aware that a Home Office backed inquiry into the disaster, chaired by the Bishop of Liverpool, is ongoing.
Your comments regarding the disater have gone around the world.
The Hillsborough Disaster inquiry team will no doubt note your comments.
They are likely to enter your comments into those part of the proceedings.
There will be a section of the inquiry dealing with the black propaganda operation.
No doubt the role of Conservative politicians and newspapers in perpetuating the black propaganda of South Yorkshire police will be examined.
If politicians continue to create myths about Hllsborough they will be looked at.
You are in a very senior role.
Therefore you contributing to those myths is more damaging than your run of the mill idiot in the street who says similarly stupid and careless things.
You do not appear from your brief and ambivalent apology to recognise the damage done by you.
I understand you have contacted Trevor Hicks of the Hillsborough families to apologise – that is the minimum.
I suggest if you cannot do the decent thing and resign that you at least write to the Bishop of Liverpool to fully, formally and unreservedly apologise for your actions.
This further harm you have caused to the survivors and the families of the victims cannot of course be rectified.
A formal, written apology to the inquiry can at least then be formally entered into the records of the inquiry.
Yours sincerely,
Peter Dunne
Liverpool————————————————————
I know that fan unrest played no part in the terrible events of April 1989 and I apologise to Liverpool fans and the families of those killed and injured in the Hillsborough disaster if my comments caused any offence.
Posted on 28 June 2010 by JeremyPosted on 28 June 2010 16:27 by Peter Dunne
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What an IDIOT you are !
Secretary Of State and you make stupid comments like that.
Do us all a favour and resign it’s obvious from your comments you have no real idea !
Posted on 28 June 2010 16:33 by Clive Thomas
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Makes me laugh that someone whose job title includes the word ‘minister’ and ‘sport’ should make such a horrific statement.
The apology is futile as you obviosuly thought Hillsborough was caused by hooliganism.
Posted on 28 June 2010 16:41 by Bill
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Yet again we have another Politician heading a department he clearly knows NOTHING about.
It is why this country is in a mess.
Your apology is pathetic and is no more than an attempt to sweep it under the carpet and hope it all goes away. You are now no better than any other ignorant uneducated blinkered idiot who speaks without knowing the facts.
One word springs to mind and that word is ‘RESIGN’.
You’re clearly not educated enough for the department you run.Posted on 28 June 2010 16:43 by Ian
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A horrible mistake to make. A friend passed away ay Hillsborough and idiotic comments like the one you made make it difficult for him to rest in peace.
How much do you really know about Hillsborough? In fact, How much do you really know about the main sports that interest the working class people of our country?Posted on 28 June 2010 16:55 by J Barr
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Utterly disgraceful and ignorant comments there.
Your apology will only be empty words unless you accept Margaret Aspinall’s invite.
You should be ashamed of the hurt you’ve caused the victims families and should support the Hillsborough Independent Panel with all your energy to atone for your stupid statement.
It’s even worse that you made the comments on Sky News… Rupert Murdoch is still employing Kelvin McKenzie as a columnist for the Sun, despite the retraction of his apology over the affair.
I honestly can’t believe an MP could have these opinions.
Posted on 28 June 2010 16:57 by Peter Burgess
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From what I can say you were referring to problems that were around in many football clubs in the 80s – hillsborough being one of these.
For the lefties to try and associate this with a disaster at the same place where many people died just to score political points against you, whilst not surprising, is still sickening.Posted on 28 June 2010 16:59 by Pauline
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This so called apology is pathetic. “If” my comments caused any offence, he says. Mr Hunt, you have unequivocally caused the deepest possible offence to the memory of the Hillsborough victims, their families and indeed, all supporters of Liverpool FC.
Posted on 28 June 2010 17:05 by Dave O’Connor
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Your position is clearly untenable in the light of this ill considered and incompetent statement.
I suggest you fall on your sword.
Posted on 28 June 2010 17:24 by Chris Billington
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So you make the comment on Sky, and apologise on your blog? Do you think your blog has similar circulation levels and target demographics as Sky?
I think you’re being more than a little disingenuous here.
Were you given the role of SoS for Sport on the basis that you perform as well as the England squad did at the recent World Cup? I can’t think of any other reason….
I can only hope there’s another election before the Olympics, because you are, quite frankly, a disgrace to British culture.
Posted on 28 June 2010 17:26 by Sara
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What an ignorant, uneducated and insulting comment you made. And what a pathetic apology. You should resign immediately.
Posted on 28 June 2010 18:12 by Peter Climie
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What an idiot! If you wish people to think that the Tories have changed, then you’ve put that agenda back a long, long way.
Posted on 28 June 2010 18:13 by Joanna Chambers
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A sports minister that does not know his sports history, why don’t you do the right thing and leave your job. You are not wanted by the vast majority of the people
Posted on 28 June 2010 18:16 by Dave Seed
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I doubt this apology will be enough, there is much pain here in Merseyside and your ignorance was deplorable.
Posted on 28 June 2010 18:21 by Jane
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This comes the day after they want Scousers to Abandon the city for work in the South East. You destroyed Liverpool in the 80’s and you won’t do it again. You hate us and the feeling is mutual. ConDems OUT.
Posted on 28 June 2010 18:22 by David Flynn
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The apology is much too little and much too late. You’ve been Shadow Culture Sec for three years, and yet you still believed Hillsborough was caused by violence.
Have you had your head buried in the sand all the ime your predecessor was arranging for the hidden files to be made public.
Do the honourable thing and resign, because your apology will never be accepted by the people affected by the tragedy, nor by Liverpool fans worldwide.
Utterly disgraceful.Posted on 28 June 2010 18:23 by Tony
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So glad the bereaved families of the 96 fans who tragically died that awful day because of police incompetence. The assertion that somehow hooliganism had anything to do with their deaths is just disgraceful, ignorant and extremely hurtful for the families of the deceased that are still fighting for justice. Any honourable person would resign.
Posted on 28 June 2010 18:26 by Sam Patel
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you seem to be misunderstood with your job description, your probably giddy with the fact your actually now an MP i would be this disgusted with any MP that made such crude and throwaway comments as you have.
And then you expect a 2 lined apology to be sufficient about a subject thats affects alot of people
shame on you, you have lost all credibility and should take a good long look in the mirror the next time you choose to open your mouth and tell lies.
You should really hold your hands up and do the only thing you can to salvage your name and dignity and that is to resign with immediate effect. but i doubt someone like yourself has that magnitude to think of others rather than yourself.
Posted on 28 June 2010 18:28 by Adam Nicholls
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What a disgrace – hang your sorry head in shame.
Is it too much to expect an apology via any of Murdochs propaganda platforms? I won’t hold my breath…
Posted on 28 June 2010 18:29 by Paul
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Absolute joke that’s what you are, a person in your posistion of power can be so foolish is beyond me completely.
Posted on 28 June 2010 18:30 by Fraser Watterson
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I was very disappointed to hear your comments comparing the good behaviour of our fans in South Africa to the Heysel and Hillsborough disasters. To insinuate that the Hillsborough disaster was in any way connected to poor fan behaviour is insulting to me and all other survivors of the disaster. It is also a slur on the victims who died and to all their families.
I expect our MPs to be better informed and certainly more careful with their public comments.
As a survivor it is yet another example to me of the ignorance that still surrounds that day. I would urge your new administration to do what is right, and help the families fully expose the police cover up that went on and their attempts to hide the truth. The West Midlands serious crime squad (since disbanded in disgrace) orchestrated the evidence collected and did everything in their power to mislead the original enquiry, aided by the SY police and the FA.
We still wait for justice and comments like yours are unhelpful and hurtful. The bloody Sunday families waited 38 years for the full truth, I wonder when the Police will ever be fully held to account for all their actions over Hillsborough.
Nick B
(A primary school teacher in Surrey)Posted on 28 June 2010 18:40 by Nick B
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I find it absolutely disgusting that a “man” in your position can use such disgraceful words in an interview . Another TOFF that hasn`t the slightest idea about what happened on that fateful day . As far as I am concerned , you can stick that apology where the sun don`t shine . You sir , are a disgrace
Posted on 28 June 2010 18:44 by Eddy England
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typical out of touch with the facts resign now!
Posted on 28 June 2010 18:48 by steve-hales
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Such total ignorance of fact or feeling on an issue that is still relevant today proves you are clearly not fit for the office you hold.
Posted on 28 June 2010 18:58 by GJ
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Comments like yours prolong the image that the Colonel Blimps of the south and south east have of anyone north of Watford, and especially of people of Liverpool. A man in your position should at least take a second to put your brain in gear before switching on your mouth.
Posted on 28 June 2010 19:03 by paul allison
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I suggest you resign, we do not need people like yourself putting a bad name to the 96. Next time you ought to do a bit of research, the Taylor report would not go far wrong. Disgraceful, your apology is meaningless. YNWA 96.
Posted on 28 June 2010 19:07 by Jonathan
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Must have been busy today Jeremy to have spared all of two lines on your blog with a contemptuous apology, would Mr Cameron and yourself care to visit Liverpool to apologize in person? Hang on a minute…the Conservatives visit Liverpool? Isn’t there a bit of history with previous party leaders there…..
Posted on 28 June 2010 19:09 by Dean Bromley–
I find it amazing that you could actually come out with a comment like this.
You’re an absolute disgrace and you should resign immediately!!!!
Posted on 28 June 2010 19:12 by Alan
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Resign.
Posted on 28 June 2010 19:13 by Gary
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Think you need to read the Taylor report or the The Truth by Phil Scraton and educate yourself on Hillsborough. Your comments are out of order. You should know better it’s not as if Hillsbrouogh happened a few weeks ago this happened 21 years ago. Your apology is lightweight at best. For a proper apology to be done I suggest you to come to Anfield on 15th April 2011 and stand in front of families who will be there and say sorry. Only then you may realise the distress you comments have caused.
Regards
Stephen Quayle
Posted on 28 June 2010 19:21 by Stephen Quayle
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Mr Hunt,
Your apology seems extremely insincere to me. A very short unfeeling statement given only to give a cosmetic glossing over.
If you are truly sorry for your words regarding the events at Hillsborough on 15th April 1989 you will go to Liverpool in your capacity as a Minister and meet the families of the 96 who died. An even more sincere gesture would be to meet Anne Williams of Hope For Hillsborough, who lost her young son Kevin on that day. Anne has campaigned tirelessly for the TRUTH to be heard.
I am a Nottingham Forest supporter and it could have been me, my friends or family at Leppings Lane end of Hillsborough had things been different. Your slur and subsequently poor attempt to apologise is a disgrace to all football fans but naturally a huge insult to the people of Liverpool.
Put your money where your mouth is and SHOW THAT YOU ARE SORRY.
Posted on 28 June 2010 19:21 by Nik French
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same old tory lies
thatcher had her hand in the cover up that has taken 20 years to get an inqurury. but then we were spending millions of pounds to finf her son who couldnt finfd his way out of a shoppingbag never mind a desert, as the saying goes tories only ever look afer themselves.i hope if he has children they never have to die like those poor souls didPosted on 28 June 2010 19:22 by pauline whittaker
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Same old politician total ignorant to facts and what has england fans got to do with hillsbrough anyway.Its a wonder you dont try to sweep your comments under the carpet just like south yorkshire police have been doing since 1989.JFT 96
Posted on 28 June 2010 19:32 by gavin quinn
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Your comments have no real understanding of an issue that is still very very raw and unresolved. As Culture Secretary and MP your lack of real knowledge is typical and is endemic of the political classes in this country, you should at least put an apology on the front page of your web site. In my opinion you should use this very ignorant comment and help the justice campaign in their 21 year fight for the the TRUTH!
Posted on 28 June 2010 19:34 by Shon
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What a horrible, ill-informed, unjust remark to make. Absolutely repugnant and distasteful. Step down from office, now.
Posted on 28 June 2010 19:37 by Truth
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Until Liverpool supporters accept that they played a part, I will not support their fight for justice.
This isnt a point scoring thing or a stick to beat our rivals up with – I just think its pathetic how their own supporters havent even addressed the fact that Liverpool fans played their part in the disaster.
The same tragic events would have unfolded with 99% of clubs on that day – in that situation – due to the circumstances and the way the crowds were dealt with. I just think that maybe other supporters may have held their hands up and took their share of the blame.
I support Leicester. I quite often turn up to matches late, maybe after a few drinks. They didnt realise the consequences, they are not murderers – they were probably just like me, a bit rowdy a bit boisterous and due to the authorities not being competent enough to cope with it – a disaster unfolded.
Liverpudlians have done a good job of verbally beating everyone into agreeing with how they want the day to be remembered – if only for an easy life.
It’s now become almost unthinkable to suggest in the public domain that there was any blame on the part of their fans.
Fair play to them for that, they’ve done a job on everyone.
Posted on 28 June 2010 19:40 by Tom Watson
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I’ve just come back from SA and have just seen your comments. You clearly have no idea about sport or the history of what happened that day. I was at Anfield the day after the tragedy – I suggest that you need to do some research first before making comments that are rubbish and hurtful. Do the honorable thing and resign, please. Before any more damage is done.
Regards StuartPosted on 28 June 2010 19:43 by Stuart
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If you knew fan unrest played no part in the tragedy then why say it? Too easy a target for you? Maybe you should comment about the unrest that caused the Bloody Sunday massacre too? Then again, after a very expensive inquiry to replace the original whitewash the truth has now been drummed home for that one. You should be sacked and if you had a bit of honour you would resign. Your department should be abolished as a waste of taxapayers money, too.
Posted on 28 June 2010 19:48 by terry swarbrick
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What a truly disgusting comment to make on sky,but then again i suppose you do believe that! If not then you would be making a public apology to the families who lost relatives there.What a sports minister!
Posted on 28 June 2010 19:49 by kris Thomas
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Quite simply Mr Hunt, you should resign without delay. You have shown a callous disregard for the facts surrounding Hillsborough and in doing so have caused more pain and misery to those who have suffered and who still suffer as a result of that tragic day in 1989. In an era of a supposed progressive government, why do you and your party still feel it necessary to revert to the same old tactics and lies, lies and more lies?
Posted on 28 June 2010 19:50 by Suzanne MacGregor
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Disgusted and a disgrace, what a pathetic apology, a sports minister that does not know his sports history. You are clearly not fit to run the department. You should resign immediately.
YNWA
Posted on 28 June 2010 19:56 by Kevin O’Connor
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Shame on you! Same old tories
Posted on 28 June 2010 19:58 by Kim
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Your disgusting comment made about Hillsborough was disgraceful.
This is typical of the ignorance shown by people like yourself. How do we stand a chance for justice when you make such judgements.
RESIGN NOW – TORIES OUTPosted on 28 June 2010 20:00 by eddie
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If you are not yet aware that your terse apology is insufficient, you should be by now. I strongly advise you to address the isuue of how you apologise properly, and whether it is appropriate to retain any responsibility for Sport. In the event of silence I will certainly lend support to any campaign that seeks to have you sacked.
Posted on 28 June 2010 20:08 by Nicholas Cullum
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It really is disgraceful for a minister to make such comments and believe that this mealy-mouthed apology will suffice. This episode has shown that you are not fit to to hold office and should resign immediately. Shame on you.
Posted on 28 June 2010 20:10 by Roger
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You should be ashamed to represent sport, knowing how these people have fought for justice of the dead and those who tried to help. I just think before you make that trip to liverpool, i think you should take a long hard think ” walk a mile in their shoes” and see how you would feel about being dismissed in the manner in which you publicly did!!
Posted on 28 June 2010 20:16 by sandra wilson
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As a 16 year old child terrified by what I saw on that day, scared for members of my family, I find your tearing open of these old wounds, a disgusting act.
You have reignited my fears for the fairness we can expect from the ongoing enquiry.
I trust your formal apology will be in a forum more public than this website and assure us of your commitment to justicePosted on 28 June 2010 20:26 by J Lloyd
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Mr Huntyou most certainly did cause offence- to every one on merseyside- and worse you insult the deceased who cant defend themselves -what the relatives must feel is unimaginable
Hang your head in shame
and what sort of a PM do we have who says he has full confidence in such a minister – he should have sacked you on the spot
Posted on 28 June 2010 20:33 by phil k
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Whilst there are people like you there will always be a Justice Campaign.
How can you cliam to represent British sport when you are clearly ignorant of issues such as this
Do the honourable thing and resign.
Posted on 28 June 2010 20:37 by Mike Griffiths
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I think the sad thing is that there are people around who still think Hillsborough was caused by hooliganism and I suspect you might be one of them and that your apology is insincere – you certainly didnt put much effort into it – or did you just tell your assistant to put something out fast? Maybe the reaction illustrated by the comments here will give you some insight into the truth – that there has been a massive injustice and its still going on. If you are sincere then put some real push behind getting the information out into the public domain. Get yourself acquainted with the facts and use your position to do some good. Isnt that what you guys are supposed to be there for. I think you are at a crossroads – make the right choice lad.
Posted on 28 June 2010 20:40 by Ray
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Tell who do you think you are.
How dare you insult the memory of my cousin and the other 95 people who lost their lives on that dreadful afternoon.
Your apology is simply not good enough. Come up to Liverpool and meet the families who are still suffering because of lies told by another of your great friends Kelvin McKenzie.
If you and your ignorant party try to stop the Hillsborough enquiry then believe me you will not know what has hit you.
It is time for you to resign and go back into the gutter you crawled out.
An extremely Angry and still grieving relative.
Posted on 28 June 2010 20:42 by Faith Fulcher
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just listen to
http://www.contrast.org/hillsborough/history/index.htm
A very stupid thing to say…. if you repect the families and are truly regret / sorry for what said then you need to meet Margaret Aspinall
Margaret Aspinall, chairman of the Hillsborough Family Support Group, called for a face-to-face meeting with Mr Hunt.
She said: “After all these years of fighting for justice I am very angry that he has shown such ignorance of the facts.
“He is an absolute disgrace.”
Mrs Aspinall, who lost her 18-year-old son James in the disaster, said she would not accept Mr Hunt’s apology unless she was allowed to meet him and “explain the facts”.
She added: “I want him to understand that he has reopened old wounds which should have healed many years ago.
Documents relating to the tragedy are being reviewed by a panel “The problem we have is that Hunt has influence and people listen to him.
“We have fought to move forward but now – thanks to him – it feels like we have taken a step backwards.”
Posted on 28 June 2010 21:03 by Neil Hamilton
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For a man in your position your comments on the Hillsborough Disaster beggar belief. Please be assured that your comments have not only caused grave offence, they have rendered your position untenable. Please do the honourable thing before you embarass yourself, your party and your government further.
Posted on 28 June 2010 21:11 by Paul, London
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What an Idiot. Did you not read up or take any notice of what your predecessor was doing while in office??? You are not fit to do your job.
Resigning is your only option.
Posted on 28 June 2010 21:21 by Jenny
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Thanks a lot, I voted for you! Now you’ve just embarassed me by making the most stupid inaccurate comments ever, I suggest you continue to grovel for forgiveness particularly to the families of those poor 96 people who went to a football match and were badly let down by the police who lied about the events to cover up their own mistakes and tried to blame the fans. No-one has ever been brought to task over this they were allowed to retire on pensions out of my tax money absolute disgrace…..shame on you
Posted on 28 June 2010 21:37 by Sean McDonald
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Beneath the offence and hurt caused by the reminder of the injustice in how Hillsborough was reported, Jeremy’s underlying point is valid. In the 1980s football matches were often intimidating, often not a place you’d want to take the family. This has changed.
He was celebrating the good behaviour of England fans in 2010.
He’s made a prompt apology. I think the better course of action is to accept his apology, and not to throw labels and insults, not get hysterical, not treat this as an excuse to rehearse existing prejudices.
Posted on 28 June 2010 21:59 by AFC Wimbledon fan
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i was at hillsborough that day.
same old tories – same old lies.
managed to worm their way into No.10. shame on the liberals to go to bed with them.Posted on 28 June 2010 22:00 by peter
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You haven’t changed since Thatchers lies poisoned a nation against Liverpool. Any good work that has been achieved over the last couple of years has been undone with your flippant throw away comments. Resign!
Posted on 28 June 2010 22:06 by Craig
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I cant believe that your brief contained such rubbish, so it must have been your own interpretation of the events of that tragic day. You need to really do some research into this event where 96 people lost their lives because of the police.
You should do the research in your own time not as SofS fof CMS because YOU SHOULD RESIGN NOW
Posted on 28 June 2010 22:12 by Mark
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Unbelievable……. How can you be so wrong and hold the position that you do?
Posted on 28 June 2010 22:15 by David pemberton
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Same old Tories, same old arrogance.
You really are an ignorant fool.
Not one posting in your defence.
Do the decent thing.
Posted on 28 June 2010 22:17 by Simon Smith
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Pathetic.
‘Secretary of state for Culture,Olympics, Media and SPORT’ or just another MP living in an Ivory Tower completely oblivious to the views and feelings of the people they are supposed to represent – do the decent thing and resign now.Posted on 28 June 2010 22:21 by BD
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For someone of your status this is disgusting for the comments you have made today and have portrayed not only yourself in a bad light but the conservative government. I think that there is only one outcome and that is for you to stand down as secretary of state for culture.
You should be utterly ashamed and what an ignorant little man you are.
Posted on 28 June 2010 22:22 by Andy
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So ignorant. So hurtful.
Posted on 28 June 2010 22:24 by Kerry
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Absolutely unbelievable how can you hope to continue in a post that you are clearly not capable of upholding. Resign now, because this country deserves more from a Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport the title is far too long for you when IDIOT would do. How long before you make your next mistake? Not long would be my guess. Therefore i suggest your resignation would be better sooner rather than later.
Posted on 28 June 2010 22:28 by janet mccusker
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Why did you back down?
That drunken Liverpool supporters were largely responsible for the Sheffield disaster is, despite their apologists, incontrovertible.Posted on 28 June 2010 22:30 by Graham Barrett.
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What a complete and utter fool you have made of yourself. Call yourself a Secretary of State for Sport and don’t know the most basic facts of what is the worst loss of life in British football in recent times? Frankly it’s pathetic and inexcusable that you continue in this role.
Having said that, it’s even more unthinkable for you to get your nose out of the trough and do the decent thing and resign either. Same old Tories, same old flannel.
I guess you know that it’s worth a fortune to you in after dinner speaking and company directorships to stay on in the role as “the Govt minister who brought the Olympics to Britain” than to ever accept your pathetic mistake and leave a post you are woefully inadequately qualified for.
Disgraceful, yes, surprising? Not in the slightest. Oh and I don’t expect you to publish this post either, or if you do it’s to get some sort of ‘credit’ for doing so – same old Tories eh?
Posted on 28 June 2010 22:35 by Jag
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Resign! or sack whomever briefed you for the dredging up of pain your stupid, insensitive and plain wrong comments have caused!
The least you vcan now do to show you’re actually sorry is set up the full, independant and public enquiry that so many of the families of those killed by police incompetence have been demanding for so long!
Posted on 28 June 2010 22:44 by Haroldo Herrera-Richmond
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I am the same age as yourself and took Mr Tebbits advice to get on my bike from my home town of Liverpool in the mid 1980s. I have been lucky enough to have spent time in your constituency over the last 25 years and have found the people to be very educated and eloquent. It is a pity that their elected member could not have displayed the same sense of eloquence.
Liverpool and Merseyside is a whole world away when compared to any part of Surrey and perhaps a visit to Merseyside to apologise in person might enlighten you on what was obviously a misguided opinion.
You can issue as many apologies as you wish in the press and on your website but most of the people you offended will probably take the view that the comments you made were clearly what you believed instinctively. Perhaps an apology in person, however uncomfortable it may be, would allay peoples fears as to your ignorance and reassure them of your willingness to learn from your mistakes. A failure to correctly address this dreadfull mistake may well haunt your future political aspirations.
Posted on 28 June 2010 22:48 by Ian
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Given your position such ignorance can not be excused however if you were to publicly come out and endorse and assist The Independent Hilsborough Pannel then this would go someway to making amends. Please prove everyone wrong and do the right thing now.
Posted on 28 June 2010 22:50 by Joel
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I’m just not surprised. Jeremy Hunt has a exceptionally narrow field of experience; dangerous in any Cabinet Minister but acutely so in his current position. Will he resign? He should. This new, smily brand of Tory is already displaying worrying levels of arrogance though and so, we can be certain he won’t.
Posted on 28 June 2010 22:55 by Mark
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why apologise? the scousers brought it on themselves. They had it coming after killing 39 italians at Heysel.
wouldn’t surprise me if they set this up to be able to do some grieving and get sympathy from all over the world. They feed off being pitied
Posted on 28 June 2010 22:57 by thejibber
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Mr Hunt, hang your head in shame.
Posted on 28 June 2010 22:58 by Vincent
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Mr Hunt,
How about putting some effort into prosecuting the police who were the cause of this disaster,and then tried to cover it up.I had nearly forgotten how nasty the Conservatives are.Posted on 28 June 2010 22:59 by John Reid
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I do not accept your apology.
I think you should resign
Posted on 28 June 2010 22:59 by mike
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So what exactly did you mean ? Perhaps an explanation of where your ignorance stems from (anti-LIVERPOOL)will help us understand what obstacles this new government are going to put in our way to prevent us from FULL DISCLOSURE of the truth after all it was a conservative government that facilitated the original COVER-UP!!
Posted on 28 June 2010 22:59 by Ian
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I will never forget your ignorant comments what a disgrace you are please resign!!
Posted on 28 June 2010 23:00 by James
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The fact that you are ignorant about the facts surrounding the Hillsborough disaster is deeply worrying considering your position in government.
Your comments were disgusting.
You should resign at once.
Posted on 28 June 2010 23:04 by Liam
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Why don’t you ask Sky News to broadcast you making your apology? And this time make it more sincere. Then resign. Then you might earn some respect. If you need to find out what happened at Hillsborough, ask Steve Rotheram MP, he knows all about it.
Posted on 28 June 2010 23:05 by Phil B
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Resign.
Posted on 28 June 2010 23:07 by Martin
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I want you to explain why you made those comments if, as you say in your ‘apology’, you know that fan unrest played no part in the Hillsborough disaster. It defies belief that someone in your position can be so astonishingly ignorant of the facts.
Do you have any idea of the pain that families and friends of Hillsborough victims and survivors have been in for the last 21 years? Comments like these from someone like you just pour salt into open wounds and deals a massive blow to the fight for the truth.
If you truly believe that hooliganism was responsible for what happened at Hillsborough (as I suspect you do) then please resign, you have no right to be in the job you’re in. Go and work for The Sun, you’d be right at home there. Sadly though, your views are already right at home in the Tory party.
Your comments were a disgrace and your ‘apology’ a further insult.
Posted on 28 June 2010 23:15 by Debbie
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That so called apology is just as much of an insult as were your comments on which the apology was based.
you’ve embarrased yourself.
i never wanted an apology from you anyway. hopefully this will serves as damage to your next election.
Gareth Penman
LiverpoolPosted on 28 June 2010 23:17 by Gareth Penman
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Do we live in a world where no-one in the public eye is not allowed an error or mistake? Mr Hunt has apologised for what appears – having seen the interview – an off the cuff remark listing Heysel then Hillsborough. It is understandably a very emotive issue for friends and families involved but I wonder how many of the comments here are politically motivated. If every minister was to resign over the last 10 years, be it Conservative, Liberal or Labour for a slip of the tongue then we would be having cabinet resignations on a weekly basis. Mr Hunt appears a decent man. He has done the decent thing and apologised for the error – if he is forced to resign it would be resignation too far in a world dominated by political correctness & the expectations by some that if you are not perfect you must quit. Emotions are running high but I think Mr Hunt deserves another chance and I’m sorry but based on some of the comments above this seems to be blown out of proportion for political scoring.
Posted on 28 June 2010 23:17 by Andrew
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Hooliganism involving England Fans at major tournaments post Hillsborough
Italy 1990
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HUSiPio … re=related
Sweden 1992
England1996
France 1998
Belgium 2000
2006 Germany
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5D9WYtl … re=relatedPosted on 28 June 2010 23:20 by Gareth Penman
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“….if my comments caused any offence.”
you meant to say that??Posted on 28 June 2010 23:20 by Dave
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Mr Hunt, thank you for your quick apology in this matter, but I fear that the damage has already been done.
You obviously DO think, on some subconscious level at least, that Hillsborough was caused by hooliganism, which I find very worrying from a man who is apparently in charge of sport and culture in this country.
Could I suggest that you read Phil Scraton’s book ‘Hillsborough The Truth’? And I also agree with Andy Burnham’s suggestion today that you throw your full weight behind the Hillsborough Independent Panel set up by the previous Government.
And, in response to a previous comment, this isn’t a ‘Leftie’ trying to score political points (I lost faith in Labour a long time ago) – simply a man whose schoolfriend died at Hillsborough at the age of 15 and gets very upset when old stereotypes of the type dished up by the Sun newspaper are given credibility by the people running this country.
Posted on 28 June 2010 23:23 by John
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Uneducated on the Hillsborough disaster and due to your position should have known better. Educate yourself and your party. Read Phil Scraton book The Truth. 21 years we have been fighting for The Truth and justice. Your apology is weak and you should resign.
YNWA,JUSTICE FOR THE 96.
PetrinaPosted on 28 June 2010 23:25 by Petrina
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I think your comments were unfortunate and sadly suggest you have been promoted above your abilities.
Posted on 28 June 2010 23:30 by john
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Oh Dear, and from our shiny new Sports Minister. Ill informed comments about such a significant happening will make people question your ability to fulfill this role. DO apologise DON’T come to Liverpool.
Posted on 28 June 2010 23:42 by Russ
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….. And the only fighting my brother, the other 95 victims and survivors did that day, was FIGHT FOR THEIR LIVES!!!!
Posted on 28 June 2010 23:46 by Louise Brookes
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I call for your resignation publicly.
Posted on 28 June 2010 23:49 by James Harrison
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I’ve never voted Tory in my life but give the man a break, he made a mistake and has apologised for it. Some of you just love to have someone else to rattle into over Hillsborough – wait for the (latest) enquiry results and lay off with yet another witch hunt/boycott etc etc
Posted on 28 June 2010 23:59 by Mark
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You clearly have not been media trained as a golden rule is never talk about things you are ignorant about. My advice is not to bother with training now as you’ve lost your audience – people simply don’t want to hear what you’ve got to say. Resign.
Ian, a conservative voter in Oxfordshire.Posted on 29 June 2010 00:24 by Ian
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You said what you believe. What a prejudiced mind you have.
Posted on 29 June 2010 00:35 by Debbie
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I have written to Jeremy directly, so I hope he reads my complaint. In short:
1) the fact you made the mistake shows the misinformation is still believed
2) the fact an advisor had to tell you (no doubt) that you slipped up shows you are unsuitable for the role
3) An off the cuff “sorry” is not enough. The whole of Liverpool was slurred by your comments. Be a man and travel up to Liverpool to look the victim’s families in the eye and prove you mean it.
4) If you can not do the right thing and fall on your (metaphorical) sword, commit to researching the reports and inquiries and learn from your mistakes.
5) Do you work and rather than making pointless comments on a dire world cup – help the campaign to release the hidden data concerning HillsboroughI think The world cup bid would be supported if we showed that we had learnt from prior mistakes, rather than making publicity appearances that no one cares about.
Posted on 29 June 2010 00:51 by Paul Williamson
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suprise suprise a southern toff mp making a complete twat of himself.
Posted on 29 June 2010 01:20 by simon
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Unbelievably ignorant & irresponsible. To make a comment on such a sensitive issue without checking your facts first is pretty clear evidence you are not fit for public office. And then just two lines of apology? Contemptible.
Posted on 29 June 2010 01:21 by alexd
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Please demonstrate you’ve actually understood how little this apology actually does to undo the stupidity of this statement.
Drop the weasely politician-speak and apologise uniquivocally. Hillsborough was not caused by the fans, demonstrably. You should know this, as a politician, let alone as Secretary of Sport. And this was not a statement that was sprung on you to make – you clearly knew what you were being required to say. So talk to your advisors and speechwriters who clearly didn’t do their research properly, and apologise fully for their shortcomings too.
My jaw dropped on returning home from work today and seeing the news – I genuinely thought we were past these lies and this misinformation.
Posted on 29 June 2010 01:29 by Miriam
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If you had done your research you wouldn’t be appologising, now your appology doesn’t mean a thing to us and the families of the 96 people who sadly lost their lives on that day who will never be forgotten. They wern’t hooligans they were everyday folk like you and i. I wonder what Michael Howard former Tory leader would make about your remarks being a Liverpool fan, do the right thing resign. One last thing for David Cameron coming out to defend you and stick by you is a disgrace. You and your party are a disgrace!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted on 29 June 2010 01:32 by Zeeshan
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Same old Tories.
If you “knew”, why did you say it? Did you forget you weren’t at the Tory Summer Fete or something?
Absolutely disgusting.
Posted on 29 June 2010 02:05 by Jay
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Please either go and apologise to the families of those who died at Hillsborough in person or resign.
Personally I think your comments were at best ignorant and at worst showed a complete lack of any respect for people who have never been able to mourn properly for their loved ones because they have never had justice.
Politics doesn’t come in to this as I don’t care if you Torie, Labour or Lib Dem you are a disgrace of a MP and a poor excuse for a man.
Posted on 29 June 2010 08:25 by Andrew Kitchener
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Mr Hunt,
This is another example of a politician using what they believe to be a throw-away comment as part of an interview for no apparent reason, only to then issue a quick apology when they are later informaed their facts were not correct.
What concerns me most is that as far as I am aware from July 2007 until the recent election were you not the Shadow Secretary for Sport, media and Culture? This period of time covered the 20th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster, so you must have been aware that Hillsorough had no link at all to fan violence.
This will do nothing but re-iterate the myth that Hillsborough and hooliganism go hand in hand, whilst also continuing the stereotype that Tories are not in touch with working class issues such as football or events happening North of Watford.
96 people went to a football match and did not come home, for 21 years their loved ones have been trying to clear their name, whay don’t you use this as an opportunity to help them, not hinder them.
Simon
Posted on 29 June 2010 09:21 by Simon Brown
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in reply to William Cambell you are just as ignorant as there was NO problem at Millwall last season , we were found not gulity like the liverpool fans were at Hillsborough , so get your facts right before getting on your high horse
Posted on 29 June 2010 09:37 by TM
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The original comments are symptomatic of the wider ignorance of the disaster. The main reason for this ignorance is that authorities at the time went to great lengths to see that the police officers in charge of the event weren’t held publically accountable – and certainly shouldn’t face a criminal trial.
If Mr Hunt is GENUINELY sorry for his comments he will do everything in his power to see that those responsible for the disaster face criminal charges – I won’t hold my breath.
Posted on 29 June 2010 09:38 by Glynn Jones
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You are a disgrace to this country and to the people your supposed to serve.you obviously did not have a clue about hillsborough,your lack of knowledge on the matter is madness.im know abit wary the tory’s said they support the hillsborugh panel and the fight for justice but then this idiot comes out with these comments.please resign your worthless to this country.
Posted on 29 June 2010 09:43 by joe connor
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Mr. Hunt, there is no ‘if’ , you comments absolutely did cause offence. Your party played a role in covering up the mistakes of the police on hat day and smearing the innocent victims, you should be well aware of the history of the disaster. Where have you been for the last 21 years? Disgrace
Posted on 29 June 2010 09:57 by rachel mccann
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I notice how my initial blog has not been put up! Very interesting!
Posted on 29 June 2010 10:36 by LOUISE BROOKES ~ sister of ANDREW MARK BROOKES–
Disgraceful. You should resign. As someone who is in a position of power, you should really be able to think before you speak and be able to understand facts. Liverpool supporters were not to blame for Hilsborough. Tory rags & government spent so much time trying to blame us just to cover their own incompetence.
New politicians? Not that I can see, Thatcherism is alive & kicking.Posted on 29 June 2010 10:37 by Tracy
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How sad 2 hear Cab Min echo old slurs on H’boro. Need more than apology – he must give full support 2 discl panel. Full truth & nothing less.
Posted on 29 June 2010 10:51 by bobbers
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For goodness sake are we going to have a public hanging at the Hindhead crossroads? Look he made a mistake, said a stupid off the cuff comment that was not particularly clever. I have no doubt in my mind that he feels genuinely sorry and I should think Mr Cameron has given him a roasting. All this talk of resigning is nonsense, Jeremy Hunt is our local MP and I say without a doubt that he works tirelessy for our local community, supporting school, hostpitals and many manl local issues. Hanging the man out to dry because of a momentary lapse of judgement will not change anything or do anyone any good. He made a mistake (as we all do)and he has apologised and he will learn from it. He is a good M.P and will be a good Cabinet Minister.
Posted on 29 June 2010 11:57 by James Williams
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Once again we see that a title given to an MP doesnt prove he has ANY knowledge of the subject he is supposed to be in charge of. You are a disgrace and should immediately go on TV and make as big a deal of appologising as you did in making you original ignorant comment. Go on prove how much a man you are. Stand up and be counted in public
Posted on 29 June 2010 12:03 by Paul C
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Mr Hunt
96 football fans died at the hillsborough disaster, 19 of them CHILDEN. This is an unprecendented human tragendy in moden britain.
Yet the then conservative propaganda machine – the sun newspaper – chose to instead report LIES:
“THE TRUTH..Some fans picked pockets of victims Some fans urinated on the brave cops..Some fans beat up PC giving kiss of life”http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hillsborough_Disaster
This occurred with the 96 people 19 of whom were children lying dead on a gymnasium floor in sheffield serving as a temporary mortuary. This is the context in which their parents and families were forced to deal with the death of their loved ones.
This occurred with the complicity of the then conservative administration. That same administration denied these relatives justice and allowed those officials in the police service and the football association..as well as their sycophantic newspaper media to escape any consequences for their actions and lies.
For a modern day conservative minister to perpetuate refuted propaganda from the 1980’s as you have done is beyond ignorant..it is simply despicable.
You are unfit for your office and should resign
Posted on 29 June 2010 12:12 by marc clancy
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Absolute disgrace, you should be ashamed. You should get your facts right in the first place. You obviously still don’t understand the our true feelings – apologise in the House!
Posted on 29 June 2010 12:34 by SH
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Idiot! You should be ashamed of your comments and more ashamed of the pithy apology on your website. You are a disgrace!
Posted on 29 June 2010 12:34 by Sarah VJ
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On the 12/3/2008 you claimed over £500 on Venetian blinds? I suggest you spend that kind of money on getting a book on the history of British sport. Disgraceful! For many people £500 remains a lot of money yet you are taking it from them to decorate your home! Go to Ikea and get a pair for less than a hundred – then spend the rest on some books. Cheap Venetian Blinds would not make you look as stupid as being totally ignorant of the issues affecting your department
Posted on 29 June 2010 13:03 by Paul W
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“If” you caused offence??
Only “If”?
Try again and this time try to make a better job of pretending you mean it.
Posted on 29 June 2010 13:22 by Moses Humberstone
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Mr Hunt,
As a Surrey resident who would be required to place an ‘X’ next to your name at the recent election, I followed your many media appearances closely. I waited for the genuine moments of insight and inspiration, but only received the vacuous party line – I feared that moments such as these would soon follow.
So soon after your predecessors high profile appearance at the Hillsborough memorial service, comments such as these are extremely concerning – and demonstrate that one doesn’t need to scratch at the surface too hard to unearth the same old Tory values within the new breed.
Posted on 29 June 2010 13:37 by James
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I would suggest that you resign from your Cabinet role, but you’d probably only be replaced by someone who is equally likely to make such slanderous and hurtful comments.
Besides, I see that you enjoy lots of support from those based in South West Surrey (and perhaps the London area). So insulting a few Scousers isn’t going to do your political career any harm.
Posted on 29 June 2010 13:48 by Mark Hunt
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Seem you have a friend in Cllr Russell Hawker – the Independent Wiltshire Councillor for Westbury West. Who AGREES!!! with you ill informed comments!!
https://twitter.com/russellhawker
Posted on 29 June 2010 14:16 by Blah
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I’m just not surprised. Jeremy Hunt has a exceptionally narrow field of experience; dangerous in any Cabinet Minister but acutely so in his current position. Will he resign? He should. This new, smily brand of Tory is already displaying worrying levels of arrogance though and so, we can be certain he won’t.
Posted on 29 June 2010 14:55 by Mark
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My nephew was at Hillsborough. Fortunately, as a Nottingham Forest supporter he was at the other end of the ground but watched as the disaster unrolled. He has never forgotten what happened. Not for the first time have you opened your mouth and put your big foot in it. Suggest you stay in your first home in Hammersmith and sell your second home in your constituency that the tax payer was funding – or retire to your third property in Italy!
Posted on 29 June 2010 15:50 by Anne
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Jeremy, do you feel proud of yourself now, can you hold your head up with the rest of the boys in the cabinet?
Did you think that you could mention the tragedy’s linked to our club because of the tory boy leadership there at the moment?
I cannot comment on you as an individual though you show no culture as your role suggests. i hope you get the results from your fans that you need and they dont shame themselves as that would make you look even more foolish than you are just nowPosted on 29 June 2010 16:07 by Dave Murray
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I just despair. Where have been for the last twenty or so years, on the moon? Above all preparation is everything, think before you speak, you are an MP, a representative of the people, do your homework.
Redfloyd owner of “Have you ever been to Liverpool” blog
Posted on 29 June 2010 16:28 by Redfloyd
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Jeremy Hunt, Your comments clearly demonstrate the way the English Government intentionaly misleads and refuses to accept responsibility about Hillsborough and not take action against the Police and the Sun newspaper from spreading lies about it.Your Government who know the truth about the Police failings is purposely witholding information and using you to make it look like the fans were to blame. You are a liar when you blame the Liverpool fans.Look at the faces of the 96 Jeremy Hunt.Your apology is not accepted. Justice for the 96.
Posted on 29 June 2010 17:56 by Stephen F
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Unfortunately your hurried apology in no way makes up for the public demonstration of your ignorance in the matter of the Hillsborough Disaster. The fact that it happened more than 21 years ago and that you made the ill informed link to crowd hooliganism proves you have taken no interest in the matter, one of the most serious sporting disasters anywhere in the world let alone the UK, merely proves to me an inadequate level of knowledge and judgement to hold a position of high office in the Goverment. Perhaps in future you might take more of an interest in events that affect the lives of thousands of people in this country. You could though attone for your error by giving the Hillsborough families your full support in their fight for justice, a fight which continues to this day.
Posted on 29 June 2010 18:09 by Stephen B
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I am “appalled” and “dismayed” at the “disgraceful” tone of nearly all of these comments. The Sec of State has apologised. I am also shocked at the “disgraceful” comments made today by Andy Burnham MP and Maria Eagle MP who both appear to be adding fuel to the issue by making unhelpful political comments. Why there’s even reference to the Bishop of Liverpool in the Echo article today too – have his statements been analysed too?? Jeremy keep up your good work with Coalition!
Posted on 29 June 2010 20:41 by Scouser
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I recommend that you soend some time with Andy Burnham a far superior predecessor to your position in sport. There is a guy who understands Liverpool fans , families and Hillsborough and he is an Evertonian. A top guy who is helping us all fight for the Justice that successive governments with your prejudicial bias have denied those who deserve justice.
Posted on 29 June 2010 21:10 by Jack Geary–
So based on what you’ve said to Sky, all you think it’s worth is a one sentence conditional apology “if my comments caused any offence”? Is that really all the effort you could put into your apology?
We elect MPs on the premise that they have the intelligence, qualifications and experience to represent us as people. You’d therefore have a reasonable expectation that someone elected as an MP, and in particular someone appointed as Culture Minister, encompassing the Ministry for Sport, would actually have some experience and knowledge of the subject at hand. You’d expect someone who has held such a position in a Shadow capacity for several years to have a strong knowledge of the Taylor Report, and of the origins and causes of hooliganism, as well as the needs and rights of the 99.9% of football supporters who support their clubs fairly, but equally deserve respect and rights to be treated with dignity. If you can not even grasp the basics of the Taylor Report, then I’d respectfully suggest that you are not presently in a fit position to do your job in a competent manner. I’m not a Liverpool fan – however I am a football fan and a sports fan, and I’d expect the Minister in charge of that area to show some basic competence and knowledge of the subject. You’ve clearly shown that you do not, and so if you’ve got any kind of a conscience, you’d be handing your resignation in to Mr Cameron and admitting that you are not up to the job that you were asked to do. Hand the job over to someone who can grasp the basics of the subject. Your country and the people who voted in the election deserve far better.
Posted on 29 June 2010 21:42 by Martin, London
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What an absolute disgrace.A despicable human being.Justice for the 96?Not while this clown is sports minister.
Posted on 29 June 2010 21:44 by John K
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Your statement is a poor excuse for an apology which only reinforces your lack of understanding. You are obviously not familiar with the contents of the Taylor report which is worrying considering your job title.
Posted on 29 June 2010 22:00 by Helen Pilley
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As my Father told me as a young boy “it is better to stay silent and be thought to be a fool rather than opening your mouth and removeing all doubt”.
If your comments are typical of what we can expect from this adninistration then GTod help us.
If you had any decency you would RESIGN.
Justice for the 96
Posted on 29 June 2010 23:18 by Paul Ashton
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Mr Hunt
You are really in the wrong job.
If you connected England hooligans to events in previous World cups like France 98 and Germany 2006 when England fans ran amok then fair enough you would have a valid point.
But to connect this to the Hillsborough Disaster then i cant really put this in to words.
Jeremy the best thing you can do is resign before you are sacked by the PM.
As minister of sport you more than any other minister should be aware of the true facts of what happened on the 15th April 1989.A one line apology on a twitter page has made you look even more insensitive than when you made the comment.
While you are the sports minister your goverment has not got a hope in hell of winning any trust from anyone outside of Tory strongholds.
Be a man and if you dont resign or get sacked at least stand up in the commons and apologise to the families of the 96 and to every Liverpool FC fan who like myself was at Hillsborough on the day of the disaster and has had to defend themselves for the last 21 years.Posted on 30 June 2010 00:21 by Eddie Tunstall
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shame on you. if you cannot understand the simple truth about a true tragedy and the senseless loss of 96 peoples lives, the pain and hurt felt by there families and liverpool fans, how can you expect to be trusted in the position you now hold. you are a disgrace sir! and you should be ashamed!
Posted on 30 June 2010 00:51 by a.holmes
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Don’t resign, at least you speak your blinkered mind – an unfortunate trait in an MP. I blame the schools – Charthrhouese will swear by “The 1980’s as remembered by Thatch and Tebbit” and I suspect your Fag smuggled you in more than a few odd copies of the Sun. Keep up the good work.
Posted on 30 June 2010 14:22 by Mark
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Don’t resign, at least you speak your blinkered mind – an unfortunate trait in an MP. I blame the schools – Charthrhouese will swear by “The 1980’s as remembered by Thatch and Tebbit” and I suspect your Fag smuggled you in more than a few odd copies of the Sun. Keep up the good work.
Posted on 30 June 2010 14:30 by Mark
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To state “if my comments caused any offence” clearly shows that you know absolutely nothing on the subject of hillsborough, the justice battle and everyone who was affected that day so you should have never even dared mention something which clearly you have only read about in a southern torie promoting rag ‘the s*n’… you mr hunt should be absoluetly ashamed of yourself and your apoligy was not accepted.
Posted on 30 June 2010 14:45 by Paul
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Mr Hunt, do you intend deleting this post and all the related comments in the near future? I believe that is a common practice of yours. If this is indeed the case, I believe you need to re-think this custom. Indeed, I think it would be a good idea for you and the other fools who have supported and added to your initial hurtful comments, to keep this particular post (along with all related comments too) on display as a lasting reminder of your wilful ignorance. It may well help you in your future political career too and show that you understand when you have made a huge mistake. That is, of course, if your coalition of the unwilling lasts.
Posted on 30 June 2010 15:15 by Saoirse
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The fact you made the comment in the first place is bad enough. What is even worse is your apology only applies “if” you have caused “any” offence. Trust you me did cause offence- no ‘if’ about it.
Posted on 30 June 2010 18:43 by Elizabeth
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I think your comments were not thought-out fully and dispicable. Your comments are a thorn in every grieving reletives’ side. Disgusting. Please find out some actual facts and that real truth before you make comments in the future. Very disappointed in you.
Posted on 30 June 2010 23:38 by K Savage
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Such a half-hearted apology will be of no comfort to the families and friends and lifelong fans of a club and a city that lost 96 people and were in turn subjected to disgusting accusations, lies and abuse for years to come.
Seeing as e-petitions have been conveniently suspended by your government, it’s extremely lucky for you that more people aren’t able to voice their concerns about your ignorance to such an important issue.
Stand down Jeremy Hunt, stand down.
Posted on 1 July 2010 02:03 by Paul Williams
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Such a half-hearted apology will be of no comfort to the families and friends and lifelong fans of a club and a city that lost 96 people and were in turn subjected to disgusting accusations, lies and abuse for years to come.
Seeing as e-petitions have been conveniently suspended by your government, it’s extremely lucky for you that more people aren’t able to voice their concerns about your ignorance to such an important issue.
Stand down Jeremy Hunt, stand down.
Posted on 1 July 2010 02:07 by Paul Williams
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I have thought long and hard about your comments, you are supposed to be a well educated man, minister of sport etc etc.. but it comes down to the fact you are either just a stupid cunt working in a position which is to great for you or you believe in the lies!??
No wonder only one of you was voted in within Scotland…
Posted on 1 July 2010 17:10 by Kevin
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who else got this reply, poor Gordon, I hope he is well paid, of course it’s probably on expenses, wonder how long my comment stays on.
Dear Mr. Howell,Thank you for the email, will Mr. Hunt’s twitter site, blog site, web site, u tube site have this apology on? I see from his web site the apology appears I will of course be checking the site to see when it mysteriously disappears, hmmmm not a very good start for the lad is it.
From: HOWELL GORDON [mailto:Gordon.Howell@Culture.gsi.gov.uk]
Sent: 01 July 2010 17:11
To: Paul Scanlon
Subject: FW: HillsboroughDear Mr Scanlon,
Thank you for your email correspondence of 30 June to Jeremy Hunt regarding his comments on the Hillsborough disaster. I have been asked to reply on his behalf.
This was a genuine mistake, for which the Secretary of State has apologised. He is fully aware that the fans behaviour played no part in this terrible tragedy. Mr Hunt deeply regrets the offence and hurt that his comments caused to the families of those killed and injured; to Liverpool fans, and to the people of Liverpool.
Mr Hunt will be meeting shortly with representatives of the families of those who died, to hear about the tireless work of the Hillsborough families and to discuss the work of the Hillsborough Independent Panel.
Yours sincerely,
Gordon Howell
Public Engagement and Recognition Unit
Department for Culture, Media & Sport
2-4 Cockspur Street | London | SW1Y 5DH
www.culture.gov.uk———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Paul Scanlon <paul@print.co.uk>
Date: Wed, Jun 30, 2010 at 7:24 AM
Subject: Hillsborough
To: “jeremy@localconservatives.org” <jeremy@localconservatives.org>
Mr Hunt,Your comments about hooliganism & Hillsborough are a disgrace, your apology is not accepted by me, you clearly have no understanding of the upset you have caused.
As minister for sport you clearly have no appreciation for your position, you should apologise in parliament and through all the TV and news channels, you shoulld keep your apology on your twitter page, web site, blog, and your you tube site, it should serve as a permanent reminder to you and everyone that visits these sites that you are sorry, then I will accept your apology.
You should meet with the Hillsborough panel immediately and give them your full support in a public meeting.
Your comments will not be forgotten, you will not be made welcome in Liverpool if you do not.
Paul Scanlon
Posted on 1 July 2010 17:33 by paul scanlon
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You are Secetary of State for Sport.
When you do not know what you are talking about you should not say anything. If you do not know anything about Hillsborough then you should resign as you are not qualified for the post.Posted on 1 July 2010 21:18 by Jason Ezekiel
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At least Boris had the gumption to apologise in person. Perhaps you should get Kelvin Mackenzie to advise you, seems like you are both built of the same stuff. Try and find a back bone, apologise in the commons and stop the rumours about the Hillsborough Enquiry not going as far as it might, why are you scared of the truth what are you hiding??
Posted on 2 July 2010 00:30 by A .Sharp
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I am no tory and yes the comments were ignorant and crass (at best. I do though think we should at least accept Jeremy’s apology and hope this galvanises the campaign for the truth about what happened and who was to blame in 1989…
Posted on 2 July 2010 13:25 by Luke Wilcox
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You have nothing to apologise for.Many Liverpool supporters arrived late some without tickets and some with too much to drink. The police made mistakes but at least some of the Liverpool supporters should take some responsibility.
Posted on 2 July 2010 21:07 by mark whitford
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I am amazed and even more disgusted by you Mr hunt. I sent a comment last week about this subject and you didnt post it. There was no profanity just my point of view. So I assume you are now censoring comments on your own site to reduce the sight of peoples feelings. I also know of others who sent comments and heve not been posted. Stand up man and take the flak and be seen to take it
Posted on 3 July 2010 08:52 by paul c
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What you should have said was Heysel and a thousand and one other occasions on which Liverpool fans had run riot, caused mayhem and generally spoiled the enjoyment of the sporting public.
The perimeter fences at Hillsborough which prevented an escape onto the pitch were installed as an anti-hooligan measure. The hooligan, not just the Liverpool hooligan, was responsible for the fences and indirectly the deaths at Hillsborough.
Posted on 3 July 2010 21:57 by Sydney Potter
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What you should have said was Heysel and a thousand and one other occasions on which Liverpool fans had run riot, caused mayhem and generally spoiled the enjoyment of the sporting public.
The perimeter fences at Hillsborough which prevented an escape onto the pitch were installed as an anti-hooligan measure. The hooligan, not just the Liverpool hooligan, was responsible for the fences and indirectly the deaths at Hillsborough.
Posted on 3 July 2010 22:51 by Sydney Potter
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I am disappointed to see that my email in support of your comments regarding Hillsborough has not been published. Please email your reason for non publication.
RegardsPosted on 4 July 2010 17:50 by Mark Whitford
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You still here?
You’ll never be allowed to forget this, you know. People have long memories. Best you go now.Posted on 6 July 2010 06:24 by Dave Richards
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Jeremy has apologised for what was an honest mistake. It is a pity that more people cannot accept it graciously. It seems that the whole of Liverpool’s various Constituency Labour Parties have turned out to make their comments here – thus turning a terrible tragedy into a political statement. Shame on them for doing so!
Posted on 6 July 2010 15:30 by Sally
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The problem is that South-West Surrey is where all the Man Utd fans live.
Posted on 9 July 2010 13:24 by Tim Footman
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sally 6 july
this is not some Labour Party propaganda – what a ridiculous suggestion
its ordinary people from all walks of life showing what most of them think about the secretary of state displaying a level of ignorance that you would of thought unimaginable.- a Labour/Libdem or any other party politician would have received the same response.
and for the record i am not a member of any political party -clearly you are and id guess its either SW Surrey Conservative association or Liverpool Conservatives-
Posted on 14 July 2010 20:07 by phil k
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I thought Mr. Hunt’s comments were about football’s image at the time, irrespective of what really lay behind the various events that were covered extensively in the media. Clearly many people are looking for reasons to take offense and the subject is still not properly debated, a fundamental point being that other large crowds at other events don’t need protecting from themselves and the people in those crowds are unlikely to point to the police – or to any authorities who have anything to do with their lives – and say “it’s your job to make us behave sensibly”.
Posted on 17 July 2010 14:30 by Martin
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martinits about responsibility for the events that led to the death of 96 people – nothing else
Read the Taylor report re responsibility – the families are still fighting for justice and when the secretary of state attacks those who cant defend themselves you realise the extent of the battle that still has to be fought – at least the home secretary will allow the current enquiry to continue i feared she was going to pull it – thank goodness for that but
Hunts’ comments were appalling and more importantly WRONG – he couldnt have been more hurtful
Posted on 24 July 2010 13:13 by phil k
UPDATE (01 Sep) – By late July Jeremy Hunt’s not-quite-apology had drawn 196 comments. By August he had deleted it, comments and all. Any attempt to visit the original page will result in redirection to the front page (and I invite you to try this here). It’s like it never happened. Jeremy Hunt does this kind of thing All. The. Time.
