WATCH: Brother of Barnaby Webber emotionally reveals moment he was told of Nottingham attack
GB News
Valdo Calocane killed students Barnaby Webber and Grace O'Malley-Kumar, along with caretaker Ian Coates in June 2023
Don't Miss
Most Read
Trending on GB News
The Prime Minister has announced a judge-led public inquiry into the 2023 Nottingham attacks during an emotional meeting with victims' families at Number 10.
Sir Keir Starmer confirmed the probe would examine "a number of different agencies" and would begin "in a matter of weeks".
The announcement came during Wednesday's meeting with the families of Barnaby Webber, Grace O'Malley-Kumar and Ian Coates.
"I gave you my word that we would push for a judge-led inquiry," Starmer told the families, adding: "Today I can confirm there will be a judge-led inquiry into this case."
Valdo Calocane killed 19-year-old students Barnaby Webber and Grace O'Malley-Kumar, along with 65-year-old caretaker Ian Coates in June 2023.
He also attempted to kill three other people during the attacks in Nottingham.
In January 2024, Calocane was sentenced to an indefinite hospital order after admitting manslaughter by diminished responsibility and attempted murder.
The Prime Minister emphasised that focusing on just one aspect of the case "would not be right" as he did not "think that will do justice".
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
A retired judge will be appointed to lead the inquiry, with Starmer stating: "As soon as that happens, the process will start."
The inquiry will be statutory in nature, ensuring witnesses can be compelled to give evidence.
Starmer emphasised the importance of witnesses being able to "answer questions about their actions and their decisions."
The Prime Minister acknowledged the decision to announce an inquiry had "taken a long time."
The meeting was attended by senior cabinet members, including the Health Secretary, Home Secretary and Attorney General.
When asked if the inquiry decision could be "U-turned," Starmer firmly responded: "No."
The announcement prompted emotional responses from the victims' families during the Number 10 meeting.
Dr Sanjoy Kumar, Grace O'Malley-Kumar's father, rose from his chair with tears in his eyes to shake the Prime Minister's hand.
Emma Webber, Barnaby's mother, tearfully applauded the announcement.
In a poignant exchange, Webber, who sat next to the Prime Minister, said "you can't bring him back," to which Starmer replied: "I can't imagine what it is like."
"You don't want to," Webber responded.
Starmer assured the families they would be "at the heart of this" process towards "justice and accountability."
The inquiry announcement follows the recent publication of an NHS England report into Calocane's mental health care.
The report found that the care and treatment available to Calocane "was not always sufficient to meet his needs" in the period leading up to the attacks.
Starmer promised an "ongoing dialogue" with the families throughout the inquiry process.
The Prime Minister noted the inquiry would need to be announced and discussed in Parliament, but added: "I don't think there's anybody that will question an inquiry."
You may like