Joey Barton Helps FORCE Parliament Debate!

Last updated : 23 August 2011 By Footy Mad - Editor

JB

Toon midfielder Joey Barton led a campaign on Twitter that boosted the number of supporters adding to the calls for the release of all documents about Margaret Thatcher's discussions on the 1989 tragedy in which 96 Liverpool fans died in a crush.

The petition follows a ruling by the information commissioner Christopher Graham that the papers should now be made public.

Under the Government's new e-petition rules the Commons backbench business committee must consider allotting time for a debate on any campaign that attracts more than 100,000 supporters.

A Cabinet Office spokesman said: "The e-petition has now reached 100,000 signatures and the Government will notify the Backbench Business Committee in the House of Commons in order that the Committee can consider its suitability for debate when Parliament returns in September.

"The e-petition will remain live, and people will be able to continue adding their signatures. The Government will respond to those who have signed the e-petition in due course."