Families of survivors of the Southport attack say they have yet to see hard evidence of action as the Government promised to do 'whatever is needed to protect the public'.
Lawyers representing the loved ones of 22 girls injured say they need to see work being done as Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood vowed to 'right the wrongs' identified by the public inquiry into the killings.
Government response to inquiry
Ms Mahmood on Thursday gave the Government's official response to the first phase of the Southport Inquiry and accepted in full its recommendations. The probe found the murders of Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, 'could and should have been prevented', if public bodies had taken steps to stop Axel Rudakubana, who was 17 when he launched the attack on the dance class in July 2024.
Inquiry chairman Sir Adrian Fulford concluded there was a 'fundamental failure' by any organisation, or multi-agency arrangement, to take ownership of the risk Rudakubana posed in the years leading up to his attack.
Families demand concrete action
Nicola Ryan-Donnelly, of Fletchers Solicitors, which represents the families of 22 survivors, said: 'Our clients are pleased that the Government have accepted all the recommendations outlined by the inquiry chair, but the parents of these girls are yet to see hard evidence of any real change.'
'Much of today's report outlines consultations and desires to amend policies or guidance across multiple agencies, but until the work is done these are just promises.'
'It's almost two years since the Southport attack devastated this community, but only days ago, another depraved teenager was sentenced for possessing numerous weapons and explosives to carry out a mass killing.'
'The families affected by this tragedy need to see firm timelines and detailed plans around how changes will be implemented, and how their impact will be measured.'
'They want to be involved in conversations with these agencies to inform changes. And finally, this must not get lost when our new prime minister is decided – delivering on these promises must remain a priority for whoever comes into power.'
Home Secretary's pledge
Earlier, Ms Mahmood said: 'The Southport Inquiry identified fundamental failings, across many of our public services, in the years leading up to July 2024. These devastating failures led to the senseless killing of three young girls and violent attacks on others.'
'My thoughts today are first and foremost with the families and friends of Bebe, Elsie and Alice and all the victims of that awful day. We owe it to them to right these wrongs.'
'For that reason, we have accepted Sir Adrian's recommendations for central Government in full. My department will now drive this work across Government, with the urgency it deserves.'
'We will do whatever is needed to protect the public.'
