http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2011/10/20/former-sun-editor-kelvin-mackenzie-set-to-be-grilled-in-commons-over-hillsborough-slurs-100252-29627328/
KELVIN MacKENZIE faces a Commons grilling over the Hillsborough slurs.
The cross-party culture, media and sport select committee has specifically asked the former Sun editor to attend a special session later this year, according to Westminster sources.
And that session could also include other former and/or present News International executives.
Walton MP Steve Rotheram said: “Even if MacKenzie is called, the question is will he attend? He is just the sort of man who would try to weasel out if it.
“I’d love him to repeat the slurs so he is open to intensive cross-examination.”
MacKenzie was editor in 1989 when he published “The Truth” about the disaster.
This week, the Commons voted to ensure that all Cabinet papers from the time are published in full, partly to identify the source of the briefings on which those lies were told.
The select committee follows a point of order raised immediately after Monday’s Hillsborough debate by High Peak Conservative Andrew Bingham.
He said: “Would it be in order for the select committee to ask News International to come before it to answer questions about activities back in 1989?”
The select committee in July grilled Rupert and James Murdoch on the News of the World hacking scandal.
Today’s Commons order paper includes a motion from St Helens North MP Dave Watts echoing the latest Hillsborough e-petition demanding a full and unreserved apology from MacKenzie.
MacKenzie was due yesterday to review the newspapers for Sky’s early morning programme.
It is not yet clear whether he pulled out or whether the company pulled the plug.
MacKenzie and News International have so far refused to comment on this week’s Hillsborough developments.
Meanwhile, David Cameron yesterday acknowledged that Hillsborough was “a national disaster”.
In response to questioning from Mr Rotheram, he repeated his promise that all government documents relating to the disaster will be published in full.
But Mr Rotheram urged the Prime Minister to admit governments had made mistakes over the tragedy.
Concern has focused on briefings given to then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and her Cabinet.
Mr Rotheram added: “If it’s proven that there was an orchestrated cover-up, despite two decades passing, justice should still prevail and those really responsible for the Hillsborough disaster should be brought to book.”
Mr Cameron told him: “I’m hugely sympathetic for the families of the victims and I am sure there are regrets for all the institutions involved at the time, including the government.”