Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Southport Inquiry

07 April 2025 · Home Office

Proposed by Yvette Cooper Lab Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley

Children & FamiliesCrime & Law Enforcement

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

View on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Key points

  • The establishment of an independent public inquiry into a tragic attack at a children's dance club in Southport is formally announced.
  • Sir Adrian Fulford will chair the inquiry, which will investigate the circumstances of the attack and examine wider issues related to young people being drawn into extreme violence.
  • The inquiry will proceed in two phases, with the terms of reference for the first phase to be published.

Issue summary

The statement addresses the establishment of an independent public inquiry into a tragic attack at a children's dance club in Southport.

Action requested

I am formally announcing the establishment of an Inquiry under the Inquiries Act 2005, chaired by Sir Adrian Fulford. The inquiry will investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack and examine wider issues related to young people being drawn into extreme violence. It will take place in two phases, with terms of reference published for the first phase.

Key facts

  • A brutal attack at a children’s dance club in Southport resulted in three deaths and ten injuries on 29 July 2024.
  • The inquiry is chaired by Sir Adrian Fulford who will sit alone as Chair under section 3(1)(a) of the Inquiries Act 2005.
  • The Inquiry will take place in two phases: investigating the circumstances and events leading to the attack, and examining wider issues related to young people being drawn into extreme violence.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy