The 25^th anniversary of the Hillsborough Disaster enables us to reflect on the lessons of the past quarter of a century, as well as look forward.

Few people are now unaware of the details surrounding Britain’s worst ever sporting disaster at an FA Cup semi-final on April 15^th 1989, which caused the deaths of 96 people and which affected the lives of many thousands more. That this is true can be attributed to the tireless campaign for justice.

Hillsborough has become a by-word for some of the worst aspects of modern Britain; the legacy of the disaster is one of institutional whitewash. That such a comprehensive police and governmental cover-up could occur is partly explicable by its context. In 1989, ten years into Thatcher’s tenure as PM, the organs of state and media combined to deflect blame away from those responsible onto the ‘soft’ target of Liverpool and football fans in particular. The media were complicit too; the role of Kelvin MacKenzie and other tabloid hacks is now well-publicised.

It is difficult to understate the hidden effects of such malicious treatment on the victims, the families and survivors. This week, BBC 5 Live broadcast a special programme called Hillsborough’s Untold Stories, featuring interviews with survivors and relatives. Even for those experienced with the story of Hillsborough, the programme made for harrowing listening. Cases of PTSD, survivor guilt, alcoholism, suicide and despair are widespread amongst those affected, reminding us that there were many victims aside from the many who died.

Unarguably, Britain’s collective failure to unearth the truth about Hillsborough and to redress the injustice has made this worse, leading to a 25-year long delay in seeking closure. However, the Hillsborough families sum up something altogether more hopeful. Their tireless, dignified campaign is one of the most inspirational in this island’s story, and they have laid a path down which other similar campaigns for justice can follow.

Five years ago at the 20^th anniversary commemoration, a tidal wave of anger broke on Andy Burnham, the government minister picked with the unenviable task of addressing a crowd who had come to regard politicians with more than a little contempt. In truth, no better politician could have been picked; Andy Burnham’s efforts in helping to quash the old verdicts and secure new inquests have been as critical as they have been commendable.

There was a distinctive change in atmosphere at this year’s memorial service. In the past, these ceremonies have been an occasion to mourn the dead, yes, but also to serve as a clarion call for concrete action. It was not sufficient for the public’s perception to be changed – which by and large it has, significantly. The families need tangible verdicts. Many believe that they now stand on the verge of a great legal victory, helped by the unstoppable momentum of a 25-year campaign.

There is now a sense of quiet optimism surrounding the new Hillsborough inquests. The long-term effects of Hillsborough should not be underestimated, and the credibility of the British state and its institutions has been dealt a great blow. More important than that is the need to demonstrate that justice can be served. This year’s commemoration focused much more vividly on the human lives that were lost at Hillsborough. We heard much more about the victims as sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers and friends. This alone tells us that the focus on Hillsborough has shifted significantly and that we are now closer than ever to a just and proper outcome.

A common theme in the testimonies of the victims’ families this week was a sense of uncertainty going forward. For many of them, the campaign for justice has been all that they have known since Hillsborough, and it may be that closure for them will lead to a void to their lives. We have to ensure that we learn the lessons from Hillsborough. For the victims, this would be the most significant tribute -even more than a Liverpool title win. If they are lucky, the might just get both.