Daily news bulletin: Everton FC supports Hillsborough Law Now campaign

Everton Football Club has added its support to the Hillsborough Law Now movement.

The campaign, formed by the Hillsborough families and survivors of the tragedy, calls for a change to the legal system to prevent others going through what the close relatives of the 97 have experienced - and continue to experience - in their quest for justice.

It is supported by Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram and Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, two former prime ministers and a host of high-profile public figures.

The club said: “Everton will always stand in solidarity with the families who lost their loved ones at, or as a result of, the tragic events of football’s darkest day on 15 April 1989 and supports the continued call for justice.

“The dignity with which those families have carried themselves represents everything anyone needs to know about them and the people of the city of Liverpool.”

The Hillsborough Law would compel all public officials to be truthful at inquiries into public tragedies or disaster situations while also offering bereaved families better access to financial resources for legal representation at inquests.

Merseyrail reducing train services

Merseyrail are set to change all lines to a reduced 30-minute service as the COVID-19 Omicron variant hits staffing levels.

The changes will come into force from Monday, January 17, until further notice.

It is hoped that with services running at half-hour intervals it will prevent the need for more last-minute cancellations due to lack of front-line staff.

Health pioneers honoured at new Liverpool hotel

Following a public vote, the Novotel Liverpool Paddington Village meeting rooms have been named after three people connected to the city who made their names within the science and health fields.

Kitty Wilkinson, Fanny Calder and Dr Letitia Eva Obeng have a high-tech meeting room named after them.

Dr Letitia Obeng said: “I am truly surprised, honoured and humbled that the city of Liverpool wants to name a meeting room after me!

“I am also delighted that an alumna of the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine will have a room named after her, honouring our famous school.

“What a truly wonderful vision to develop this Knowledge Quarter! When I first went to LSTM to do my PhD way back in the early 60s, Liverpool was on the international music map because of The Beatles.

“It is my hope that Liverpool will have another international No1 with this focus on the life sciences in Paddington Village. Congratulations, and I wish Liverpool every success!”