The new coalition government today issued its support for the release of previously unseen Hillsborough files as it was revealed it could be another 18 months before they are disclosed to the public.
The Hillsborough Independent Panel had hoped the papers would be available by the spring of this year, but it is now believed the proposal will be reworked, with publication expected in early 2012.
There were some fears that the project could lose momentum after Labour lost power, however, the Conservative and Lib-Dem coalition government has today given the first indication it is firmly in support of the panel.
A spokesman for the Home Office said: "The panel has made a good start on the complex and challenging process of releasing the mass of material relating to the Hillsborough disaster that has remained hidden from the public for more than 20 years.
"Positive and productive work is ongoing between the panel members, the families and public partners including South Yorkshire Police and Sheffield City Council.
"But full public disclosure will not happen overnight.
"The panel wants to achieve disclosure as quickly as possible, but is absolutely determined to get the process right."
Margaret Aspinall, chairwoman from the Hillsborough Family Support Group, added: "We are in agreement with one report at the end of the process, so long as the files are looked at fully.
"We trust the panel implicitly to get on with this mammoth task and we will be meeting them on occasions along the way.
"Hopefully, it won't take longer than the two years which has been set aside."
Sheila Coleman, spokeswoman for the Hillsborough Justice Campaign, said: "I wouldn't be surprised if documents weren't released as we proceed as it would open up to people challenging the evidence which could lead to complications in their eyes.
"The government wants this to be a smooth exercise."
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