Southport Inquiry

Yvette Cooper Excerpts

Monday 7th April 2025 Written Statements

[The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Yvette Cooper)]

On 29 July 2024, a brutal attack took place at a children’s dance club in Southport. Tragically, the perpetrator murdered three young girls, Elsie Dot Stancombe, Alice da Silva Aguiar and Bebe King, and injured 10 other people. My thoughts remain with their families as they come to terms with this devastating loss, as well as with those injured, and with all those who were present that day who survived the attack but live with the serious emotional consequences. Nothing will ever take away their trauma and loss, and we will ensure they receive the support and care they need in the years to come.

It is of vital importance that there is a clear understanding of how this terrible attack was able to happen, and the lessons learnt, so that we can take all necessary steps to minimise the risk of a future tragedy. That is why I announced in my statement to the House on 21 January that the Government would establish an independent public inquiry to do this.

Today I am formally announcing the establishment of an inquiry, under the Inquiries Act 2005. It will need to be able to swiftly receive evidence from the full range of relevant organisations. After careful consideration, including the representations made by some of the families and victims of the attack, I have decided to set the inquiry up on a statutory basis from the beginning. The formal date of establishment of the inquiry is today and the inquiry will begin its work immediately.

The inquiry will be chaired by the right hon. Sir Adrian Fulford. Sir Adrian will bring an impartial and extensive legal background to the inquiry, particularly on issues related to policing, the criminal justice system and multi-agency working. In accordance with the provision of section 3(1)(a) of the Inquiries Act 2005, Sir Adrian will sit alone as chair.

The inquiry will take place in two phases. The first phase will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack, as well as the events leading up to it—including the perpetrator’s interactions with different public bodies. I am today publishing the terms of reference for this first phase, and I will place a copy in the Libraries of both Houses. A later, second phase will examine the wider issue of young people being drawn into extreme violence and will be informed by the first phase.

The direction of the inquiry’s investigation will be a matter for the chair. The Government will provide support and ensure that the inquiry has the resources needed to fulfil its terms of reference.

I had the privilege of meeting some of the victims and families last month. I would like to put on record my thanks to them for taking the time to meet with me and the safeguarding Minister, my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham Yardley (Jess Phillips), and sharing their deeply personal experiences. Their courage and strength in recounting these painful memories is greatly appreciated. I know Sir Adrian is planning to travel to meet with them soon, as his first priority.

I also had the opportunity to discuss the public inquiry and how it could be approached to support victims and their families, to ensure they get answers they need and to minimise further distress from this terrible attack. I am grateful for their willingness to engage so constructively in this important conversation. Their input will be crucial in shaping the inquiry’s approach and ensuring the voices of all victims are heard during the process.

[HCWS580]