Overview
A statutory Public Inquiry has been launched into the terrifying attack at a children’s dance class in Southport on 29th July 2024. Three young girls were murdered, and two adults and eight children sustained terrible injuries. Many more who were present have been traumatised by what they witnessed.
Following the attackers conviction, it was revealed that he had been on the radar of our security services for at least five years. Several state agencies had interactions with him and his family, with multiple concerns being documented. However, any action that was taken concerning him proved to be inadequate.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that the failure of the state institutions in this case “Leaps off the page. Southport must be a line in the sand. Nothing will be off the table in this inquiry – nothing. And most importantly, it will lead to change.” Statement of Prime Minister Keir Starmer
Can I be involved?
If you were present at the incident or the immediate aftermath and wish to be involved in the Public Inquiry for Southport, please contact a member of our team.
What is a Public Inquiry?
A public inquiry can be set up by the Government to investigate any matter which is a public concern. It can look at a single event such as the Manchester Arena Bombing or issues that are more widespread such as the Governments response to the Covid-19 Pandemic. The Government will set the scope of what the Inquiry will investigate by drawing up “Terms of Reference.”
The Government will appoint a chairperson who will lead hearings in which witnesses will give evidence. At the conclusion of the proceedings the Chair will publish a report setting out their findings. The Chair will often make recommendations that state agencies should then action to make improvements. For more information see our public inquiries page.
What will the Southport Inquiry Investigate?
The Southport Inquiry will investigate not just what happened on the day, but also the history of the attacker. What the various state bodies knew about him, the referrals regarding his behaviour, the involvement of his family and the collective awareness of the risk of danger he posed to others.
The evidence will demonstrate where any opportunities for intervention were missed, where any action taken was inadequate and what needs to change for this tragedy not to be repeated.
The Terms of Reference for the Southport Inquiry can be read in full here.
Statutory vs non statutory
For an Inquiry to have any real power it must be a statutory Inquiry. Only then will the Chair have the power to compel people or organisations to provide it with relevant material and ensure witnesses come to court to give evidence. Thankfully, the Southport public inquiry is Statutory.
Why is Hillsborough Law Relevant to the Southport Inquiry?
We hope that Hillsborough Law will be in place before the Inquiry starts. That will mean that there is Duty of Candour placed on public bodies requiring them to not just tell the truth but to proactively cooperate. It would also require what is called a Position Statement from public bodies. This is where each organisation would state at the outset what they say happened and admit any failings. These would have the benefit of reducing the number of issues that are in dispute in the hearing, thereby reducing the amount of time that must be spent on them and, in turn, reducing costs.
Hillsborough Law also calls for a parity of arms – essentially placing individuals like you on the same playing field as state agencies who come armed with lawyers.
You can read more about this here.
What good will the Southport Inquiry do?
You can judge a public inquiry by the changes it makes. A public Inquiry can be thorough, reach hard-hitting conclusions and make far-reaching recommendations, but if no action is taken in response to those recommendations, it is meaningless. It is for this reason that whenever we are instructed in public inquiries, we make applications on behalf of our clients that the recommendations are monitored. This empowers the Chair to compel the state agencies to report back to the Inquiry with an update on the progress that it has achieved since the recommendation was made. From our experience, this public scrutiny is effective in driving forward actual change - as opposed to the vague promises we often see that do little to improve matters.
What Happens Next?
We will be making an application to the Chair of the Southport Inquiry for Core Participant Status on behalf of our clients. Core Participant status is required for those who have a legitimate interest in the case and wish to be able to do things in the Inquiry including:
- Being able to read the evidence gathered by the Inquiry
- Make submissions on which witnesses should be asked to provide statements and/or give evidence
- Applying to ask witnesses relevant questions during the hearing
- Make opening and closing statements on what the evidence reveals, what conclusions can be drawn and assist with recommendations that will help to make things better.
Can I get involved?
If you were present at the incident or the immediate aftermath and wish to be involved in the Public Inquiry for Southport, please contact a member of our team.
Broudie Jackson Canter has experience in some of the biggest public inquiries including the Manchester Arena Bombing where we represented multiple families and the Covid Inquiry where we act on behalf of over 7000 bereaved. Nicola Brook and her team will be able to talk you through the process and advise whether we are able to make an application for core participant status on your behalf.