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Arthur Labinjo-Hughes
06 December 2021
Lead MP
Nadhim Zahawi
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
Justice & CourtsSocial CareSafeguarding & DBSChildren & FamiliesLocal Government
Other Contributors: 33
At a Glance
Nadhim Zahawi raised concerns about arthur labinjo-hughes in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
Justice & CourtsSocial CareSafeguarding & DBSChildren & FamiliesLocal Government
Government Statement
Following the sentencing in the case of Arthur Labinjo-Hughes, the Secretary of State for Education announced a comprehensive review to understand what went wrong and prevent similar tragedies. The minister emphasised that all safeguarding professionals deserve recognition for their efforts while acknowledging the need to investigate thoroughly to improve services. A national Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel will conduct an independent review focusing on Arthur's case, and Ofsted, CQC, HMICFRS, and HMI Probation are tasked with a joint targeted area inspection in Solihull. Since 2019, there have been real-terms increases in funding for local government and £6 billion additional funding provided directly to councils due to the pandemic's impact on children's social care services. The independent review of children’s social care aims to recommend decisive child protection measures.
Houghton and Sunderland South
Question
The MP thanked the Secretary of State for advance sight of his statement, acknowledged the tragedy, welcomed the Attorney General's Office review of sentences handed down, and called for urgent action to improve children’s social care services both locally and nationally. She pointed out that the Department had committed in 2016 to a target by 2020 but failed to deliver due to lack of detailed plan.
Minister reply
The Secretary of State acknowledged the challenges ahead, noted progress since 2016 with the percentage of local authorities rated 'good' by Ofsted rising from 37% to 57%, and thanked the MP for her support.
Robert Halfon
Con
South Essex
Question
The MP endorsed the Secretary of State's review and the moving comments made in remembrance of Arthur. He highlighted the issue of 'ghost children' who are not registered at school but potentially subject to safeguarding hazards, asking for proactive efforts to ensure these children return to school.
Minister reply
The Secretary of State acknowledged the concerning issue raised by his right hon. Friend and noted that they have launched the See, Hear, Respond programme aimed at supporting vulnerable children impacted by the pandemic.
Carol Monaghan
SNP
Glasgow North West
Question
The MP thanked the Secretary of State for his statement and offered cross-party support. She questioned how the minister will monitor agency cooperation and whether he would commit to direct Government funding if resourcing issues are found to be due to lack of resources.
Minister reply
The Secretary of State assured the hon. Lady that they will reach out across the House for recommendations, as well as through specific reviews like the Josh MacAlister review.
Julian Knight
Con
Solihull
Question
The MP thanked his right hon. Friend and confirmed that no stone would remain unturned in this investigation to ensure every lesson is learned from this horrific tragedy.
Minister reply
The Secretary of State assured the hon. Friend that both reviews will be able to go wherever they need to, emphasising transparency as the best way forward.
Emma Lewell-Buck
Lab
South Shields
Question
Little Arthur's murder has affected those working closely with abused children. The Secretary of State is asked to meet the hon. Lady so that they can work together to prevent such incidents.
Minister reply
The Secretary of State agrees to meet Emma Lewell-Buck and acknowledges the improvements made since 2017, including an increase in social care workforce by 10%.
Saqib Bhatti
Con
Meriden and Solihull East
Question
The MP expresses sadness over Arthur’s death and welcomes the inspections. The inquiry must bring meaningful change to protect children like Arthur in future.
Minister reply
The Secretary of State reassures Saqib Bhatti that both reviews will be thorough, shared with the House, and feed into Josh McAlister's overall review.
Diane Abbott
Ind
Hackney North and Stoke Newington
Question
The Secretary of State is asked to assure the House that if it transpires there are not enough social workers, he will make the right level of resources available.
Minister reply
Nadhim Zahawi confirms that whatever reviews recommend—including McAlister review—that will be implemented.
Question
The MP asks why previous findings have not been acted upon and suggests the Secretary of State reviews this.
Minister reply
Nadhim Zahawi agrees with Tim Loughton's institutional memory and the need to ensure that recommendations are operationally implemented.
Question
The MP highlights leadership in such work as very important, suggesting an inquiry look at senior management appointments.
Minister reply
Nadhim Zahawi confirms that the reviews will look at all aspects of failures, including senior managerial responsibilities.
Caroline Johnson
Con
Sleaford and North Hykeham
Question
The MP inquires about working with the Ministry of Justice on justice issues related to cases where people have been let down.
Minister reply
Nadhim Zahawi confirms that they will be working with Ministers across Government on these cases.
Munira Wilson
Lib Dem
Twickenham
Question
The MP asks if the Secretary of State will commit to looking at recruitment, retention and training of social workers, given high vacancy rates and funding cuts.
Minister reply
Nadhim Zahawi acknowledges the need for retaining experienced leadership in social work.
Question
The MP asks if the Secretary of State agrees that problems with children’s social care are systemic, not just about funding. The MP also argues against scapegoating individuals.
Minister reply
Nadhim Zahawi confirms his passion for complex system improvements and operationally implementing recommendations.
Question
The MP mentions his concern about the need to know where every child is and expresses worry regarding home schooling. He also raises concerns about funding for local councils.
Minister reply
Minister acknowledges the importance of knowing where children are, highlights some benefits and issues with home schooling, and notes that local councils have received significant funding increases.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Question
The MP asks for a strong message to social workers about investigating any suspicion of child abuse thoroughly.
Minister reply
Minister agrees and emphasises the need for immediate action if there is evidence, inkling or iota of harm to children.
Kerry McCarthy
Lab
Bristol East
Question
The MP raises concern about lack of statutory mechanism to identify and support children affected by parental imprisonment.
Minister reply
Minister acknowledges the point, mentions ongoing meetings with other Ministers on this issue.
Question
The MP asks for attention to be given to social workers' case loads as they often deal with complex cases and have excessive workloads.
Minister reply
Minister confirms his support for social workers, mentions the MacAlister review that will consider issues such as workload.
Karl Turner
Lab
Kingston upon Hull East
Question
The MP highlights social care crisis and asks to acknowledge funding cuts to local authorities in the past decade.
Minister reply
Minister acknowledges importance of review findings and mentions more funding available, but depends on what the review recommends.
Simon Hoare
Con
North Dorset
Question
The MP suggests a campaign to combat neglect and violence against children and urges for precautionary principle in safeguarding.
Minister reply
Minister agrees to take the suggestion away, aiming to make child abuse culturally unacceptable.
Florence Eshalomi
Lab Co-op
Vauxhall and Camberwell Green
Question
The MP highlights shortcomings in safeguarding system and asks for identification of all children at risk.
Minister reply
Minister acknowledges the point, highlighting that MacAlister review is about making a decisive system for child protection.
Laura Trott
Con
Sevenoaks
Question
The MP asks for consideration of resources needed for social workers dealing with increased referrals and balancing taking children away from homes.
Minister reply
Minister agrees, emphasises the need to identify support networks while ensuring immediate action if doubt about harm exists.
Hayes and Harlington
Question
The MP discusses the cuts to early interventions for children, criticising the lack of emergency funding and support for social workers. He highlights the emotional impact on those who deal with abused children.
Minister reply
The Minister emphasises the importance of evidence-based strategy and acknowledges that local government's core spending is increasing. However, he says he will make a case for additional resources based on the MacAlister review findings.
David Simmonds
Con
Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner
Question
The MP asks whether the Children Act 1989 needs updating and if schools should be statutory safeguarding partners.
Minister reply
The Minister agrees that updates might be necessary but says legislative changes will depend on the findings of ongoing reviews, including the MacAlister review.
Andrew Gwynne
Ind
Gorton and Denton
Question
The MP urges the Secretary of State to request additional resources for children's services from the Chancellor.
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges funding is important but stresses operational competence and removing bureaucracy are equally crucial.
Question
The MP discusses the need for high regard for social workers and local accountability in ensuring child safety.
Minister reply
The Minister agrees with the importance of local accountability and says he will work closely with local government to ensure they understand their roles.
Cat Smith
Lab
Lancaster and Wyre
Question
The MP points out that cuts have led to increased caseloads and paperwork for social workers, affecting recruitment and retention.
Minister reply
The Minister agrees to meet with the MP and British Association of Social Workers to discuss encouraging retention and recruitment.
Kieran Mullan
Con
Bexhill and Battle
Question
The MP asks for a life sentence for anyone who murders a child, regardless of premeditation.
Minister reply
The Minister confirms that the Government will amend the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill to include Tony’s law, increasing penalties for child cruelty.
Question
The MP suggests reviewing the possibility of placing a duty on agencies to share information more effectively.
Minister reply
The Minister agrees that improving agency cooperation is crucial and will look into how this can be better enforced.
Question
The MP asks if the review will focus on outcomes rather than rules, allowing multi-agency groups to make bold decisions.
Minister reply
The Minister agrees that reviewing how well information is shared and acted upon, along with high-quality leadership, is important.
Janet Daby
Lab
Lewisham East
Question
Acknowledging the tragic death of Arthur Labinjo-Hughes, Janet Daby questions the Secretary of State about interim measures to reduce bureaucracy for social workers and the timescales for completing a review.
Minister reply
Nadhim Zahawi acknowledges the 15 years of service by Janet Daby as a social worker and confirms that there will be a reduction in bureaucracy by the first quarter of next year before the completion of a thorough review.
Question
Inquiring about the Secretary of State’s commitment to leave no stone unturned, Mark Jenkinson requests consideration for rolling out the social workers in schools project across Cumbria primary schools.
Minister reply
Nadhim Zahawi agrees to look into rolling out the pilot project and acknowledges its positive impact observed during his time as Minister for Children and Families.
Question
Expressing grief over Arthur’s death, Mick Whitley asks if urgently restoring funding lost since 2010 is essential to prevent future tragedies.
Minister reply
Nadhim Zahawi notes the £4.8 billion allocated over the spending review period and emphasises the importance of operational efficiency identified by the MacAlister review.
Matt Rodda
Lab
Reading Central
Question
Offering condolences to Arthur’s family, Matt Rodda asks for further exploration into social workers’ pay, numbers, integration of agencies, and a comprehensive internal review.
Minister reply
Nadhim Zahawi thanks the MP for his input and confirms that the MacAlister review will address these issues with an aim to ensure continuous support for frontline social workers.
Shadow Comment
Bridget Phillipson
Shadow Comment
The shadow minister welcomed the announcement for a national review and joint targeted area inspection but highlighted the Government's failure in improving quality of children’s social care services. She called upon the Secretary of State to urgently review service inspections, ensure his own department adheres to standards, and address the culture that tolerates failing services. Phillipson emphasised the importance of remembering Arthur as a loving child rather than focusing solely on the tragedy.
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