Home Secretary Yvette Cooper found herself in a heated exchange with Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp, as both debated whether the government hid key information about killer Axel Rudukabana. The argument took place in the Commons, where Cooper unveiled more details about the promised public inquiry into last summer’s shocking murders in Southport.
Three Young Girls Murdered at a Dance Class
Rudukabana, aged 18, admitted in court to murdering three girls—Alice da Silva (9), Bebe King (6), and Elsie Dot Stancombe (7)—during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on 29 July last year. He also pleaded guilty to producing ricin, a biological toxin, and to having information likely to be useful to terrorists.
Prevent Programme Failings?
The killer had been referred to the government’s Prevent scheme three times, yet remained free. This sparked outrage, especially given his violent and extremist background.
Was There a Cover-Up?
With the murders came social media rumours and riots across England, as misinformation spread about Rudukabana’s origins. Critics say the government could have been more upfront about his Prevent referrals.
Keir Starmer, however, denies any cover-up occurred. He claims the government was following legal advice, to prevent jeopardising the trial.
Cooper vs. Philp: A Commons Clash
Chris Philp asked Cooper:
“Could more openness and transparency have prevented the misinformation that arguably fuelled the riots?”
Cooper retorted that ignoring legal advice could have meant the killer “walked free.” She reminded the Commons that a previous Tory government also withheld certain details regarding murderers referred to Prevent—like the killer of Tory MP David Amess in 2022.
Seeking Justice Above All
Cooper insists the government acted in line with police and CPS guidance. She argues the priority was to secure a conviction. Disclosing certain facts too soon might have undermined the case.
“If we had ignored that advice, and if as a result a killer had walked free, no one would ever have forgiven the government.”
Now that Rudukabana has pleaded guilty, Cooper says the upcoming inquiry must uncover what went wrong and why three young lives were lost.
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