Liverpool schools to add Hillsborough to curriculum
The motion to add it was passed by the council unopposed
Last updated 26th Jan 2022
Schools across Liverpool are set to add specific lessons about Hillsborough to the curriculum.
Both primary and secondary schools will host special assemblies on a dedicated "Hillsborough Day".
They'll take place on the nearest Friday to the anniversary of the disaster each year with dedicated teaching packs delivered to schools.
It's after a motion was submitted to the council by West Derby MP and councillor Ian Byrne.
Ian said: "Humbled & proud that my motion in support of an annual Hillsborough Day along with lessons on the disaster, the cover-up and the long fight for justice in our schools has today been passed by Liverpool City Council unopposed and with cross-party support."
In response to the motion the City Council said:
"We commend survivors and the families of the ninety-seven fans who lost their lives as a result of the Hillsborough disaster for their three-decade campaign for justice.
"Council also notes that Kevin Sampson's recent drama for ITV, Anne - considered a masterpiece by many - has highlighted once again the fact that, despite the ninety-seven having been unlawfully killed, to date no individuals or organisations have been held accountable for their deaths.
"Council further notes that the impact of the campaign of lies, smears and propaganda orchestrated by South Yorkshire Police in 1989 and promoted by willing politicians and media continues to this day, with far too many members of the public, even now parroting discredited lies about the behaviour of Liverpool fans in attendance at Hillsborough on 15 April 1989.
"It is not surprising to council that many families of the 97 and Hillsborough survivors have expressed despair at this continuation of lies."
"Liverpool City Council, therefore, undertakes to support the 'Real Truth Legacy Project' led by Ian Byrne in conjunction with many Hillsborough families and survivors.
"This campaign seeks to ensure that current and future generations learn the truth about Hillsborough and to ensure that schoolchildren in the Liverpool City Region initially have access to a definitive account of the disaster and the subsequent cover-up.
"Council hereby notes its support for a key element of the 'Real Truth Legacy Project' which is to have education about Hillsborough added to the national curriculum including a dedicated 'Hillsborough Day' in the Liverpool City Region to take place on the nearest Friday to the anniversary of the tragedy on 15th April each year.
"The Hillsborough Day would see every Liverpool City Region primary and secondary school taking part in a special assembly to mark the anniversary and to learn more about the disaster, cover-up and fight for justice through dedicated teaching resource packs made available to every school in the city region by local education leads.
"For the sake of past and future generations, this is something Liverpool City Council feels it must get behind and calls on all councils in the Liverpool City Region and beyond to add their support the 'Real Truth Legacy Project'".