“Strategic Insights: The Home Secretary’s Address on Southport – January 20, 2025”

All our thoughts today must be with the families of young Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice Da Silva Aguiar, along with all those affected by this truly awful, savage and despicable assault. Three innocent young girls who attended a summer dance club lost their lives in the most tragic manner, while other children sustained severe injuries, and they, along with all the parents and families, have had to endure the most unimaginable trauma and sorrow.

My thoughts also go out to the entire community in Southport, which has displayed incredible strength and bravery in the wake of the incomprehensible act of violence inflicted upon their town. I would also like to take this chance to thank all the law enforcement officials, first responders, hospital personnel, and prosecutors who have operated under exceptionally challenging conditions from the day of the assault to assist the families and bring this case to today’s trial.

It is crucial that justice has been achieved today. However, nothing can alleviate the trauma and loss suffered by the children and their families, and we will make sure they continue to receive the support and assistance they require in the forthcoming weeks, months, and years.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has made it clear that significant information regarding the offender’s background could not be disclosed prior to today to prevent jeopardizing the legal proceedings or biasing a potential jury trial, in accordance with the standard procedures of the British legal system. Nothing has been more vital than ensuring justice for the families.

Now that there has been an admission of guilt, it is imperative that the families and the residents of Southport obtain explanations concerning how this dreadful attack could have occurred and the reasons why this happened to their children.

The blame for these horrific murders and the barbaric act lies with Axel Rudakubana. The CPS has characterized him as “a young man with a disturbing and continuous fascination with death and violence” who has “exhibited no signs of remorse.”

However, the families and the people of Southport also deserve clarity on what transpired leading up to this assault. The offender was in contact with various state agencies throughout his adolescence. He was referred to the Prevent program three times between December 2019 and April 2021 at ages 13 and 14. He also interacted with the police, the courts, the Youth Justice system, social services, and mental health services. Yet, collectively, those agencies failed to recognize the grave risk and threat he posed to others.

This tragic case unfolds against the backdrop of several years during which an increasing number of teenagers have been referred to Prevent, investigated by counter-terrorism police, or directed to other agencies due to concerns surrounding serious violence and extremism. We must confront why this situation has arisen and what changes are necessary.

While, in accordance with CPS guidance to maintain the integrity of the prosecution, we were limited in our ability to comment at the time, the Home Office initiated an urgent Prevent Learning Review during the summer concerning the three referrals and the reasons for their closure. We will release further details this week, alongside new reforms to the Prevent program. However, we also require more independent clarification on both Prevent and all other agencies that interacted with this remarkably violent teenager, as well as insights into how he became so dangerous, which includes a public inquiry that can uncover the truth about what occurred and what adjustments are needed.

This dreadful assault will have a lasting effect on our nation. We will forever remember Alice, Bebe, and Elsie, and we will consistently stand with the families and the community who are enduring the pain of their loss. As we strive to answer the lingering questions about this case, the imperative to see justice served for the victims and their families will always remain at the forefront of our thoughts.