Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

James Bulger Murder: Public Inquiry

25 March 2024 · 4 other contributors · 10,037 words

Opened by George Howarth Lab Knowsley

Responding minister: Edward Argar

Justice & Courts

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

George Howarth raised concerns about james bulger murder: public inquiry in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • MP expresses concern over unaddressed evidence of sexual assault prior to James Bulger's murder
  • MP questions whether additional crimes by Venables were considered in judicial decisions
  • MP calls on government to ensure comprehensive answers to raised questions if a public inquiry is not granted

Key requests to Government

The MP asks the Government to consider alternative means if a public inquiry is not granted, to ensure that questions and concerns are answered fully and comprehensively.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

George Howarth Lab Knowsley

The MP is concerned about the circumstances surrounding James Bulger's murder and subsequent handling of his killers, Jon Venables and Robert Thompson. He highlights that evidence indicating sexual assault prior to the murder was not presented at trial or parole hearings. The MP also raises issues about Venables' 2010 conviction for child pornography and the attempted abduction of another child on the day James was murdered, questioning whether these factors were considered in decision-making processes. Additionally, he expresses frustration with opaque judicial responses and media intrusions into private grief.

Other contributors (4)
  • Alex Cunningham Lab Stockport

    Cunningham highlighted the shock and trauma caused by James Bulger's murder, expressing concern over the management of Jon Venables after his release in 2013. He questioned the adequacy of risk assessments made at that time and called for greater transparency from the Government on decision-making processes related to Venables's rehabilitation and subsequent breaches of licence conditions. I thank the Minister for giving way and for answering the point I raised. I want to go back to the 70 referrals. I accept that they were referrals, rather than confirmed breaches. However, even if 10 or 15 of those referrals were considered to be breaches of his licence, although they may well have been minor, do they not have a roll-up effect, where he is constantly breaching or being referred for breaches, and therefore more serious consideration should have been taken?

  • Jess Phillips Lab Birmingham Yardley

    Lends voice to Denise Fergus's campaign for truth and justice, highlighting the need for a public inquiry due to repeated breaches of life orders by Jon Venables and serious communication failures with James's mother. Emphasises that missed details in cases erode trust in the justice system. I do not think anybody here would expect that; we are not judge and jury in this building. However, as the Minister said, Jack Straw was the last person to ask for a review. If, as the Minister has outlined, he cannot commit to a full public inquiry, is there not a case for another review to look into not only Red Bank, but the period of further mistakes since 2010? All we have currently is a review covering 1998 to 2010. Surely there were errors made post that period that need some transparency.

  • Paula Barker Lab Liverpool Wavertree

    Ms Paula Barker expressed concern over the lack of transparency and justice for James Bulger's murder. She advocated for Jon Venables to remain in prison and supported victim families' access to Parole Board hearings. Ms Barker also highlighted that more than 3,000 signatures from her constituency showed strong public support for a public inquiry into the case.

  • Peter Dowd Lab Bootle

    Peter Dowd supported the call for a public inquiry into the James Bulger murder case, citing public concern evident in a petition signed by 213,000 people, including 5,000 from his constituency. He emphasized the importance of setting up an inquiry to provide justice and highlighted the support for this initiative by various bodies such as the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee.

Government Response

Edward Argar

It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship this afternoon, Mr Henderson. At the outset, may I join right hon. and hon. Members in acknowledging the dedication and determination of Mrs Denise Fergus, James's mother, in campaigning on this petition and successfully securing a debate on this hugely important matter through the Petitions Committee? Sadly, in this Chamber and in the main Chamber we are, on occasion, called upon to debate deeply sombre, traumatic and saddening matters, but it is right that we do so and that we cast that light upon them. I am grateful for the tone adopted by all right hon. and hon. Members who have spoken; it is appropriate that this debate has been conducted in that manner. The murder of James was a crime that rightly shocked the nation and continues to do so... The Minister highlighted that Thompson has remained in the community on life licence without further offence since 2001, while Venables has twice been recalled to custody for possession and sharing of illegal images of children. Despite these incidents, the Parole Board concluded it remains necessary to confine Venables to custody due to public protection concerns. The Minister also explained that a comprehensive review was conducted in 2010 by Sir David Omand, which found no doubt about the fundamental judgments made by the Parole Board regarding Thompson and Venables' release. The review made recommendations designed to strengthen future management of these individuals, noting significant improvements since Venables's re-release in 2013. The Minister acknowledged victims' concerns over transparency, stating that progress has been made with victims now able to apply for a summary of board decisions or request public hearings under certain conditions. He also highlighted new powers allowing the Secretary of State and victims' families to challenge release decisions if deemed necessary... He concluded by expressing gratitude towards Mrs Fergus and her tireless campaigning, paying tribute to her efforts in setting up the James Bulger Memorial Trust which provides support for disadvantaged young people.

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