Stop the Southport speculation – or risk seeing justice denied
3 min read
My constituency and community suffered an immense tragedy in July with an atrocity that shook the nation.
The details need not be repeated here. Suffice to say that Southport is a town still grieving, in the slow process of recovering from such a shock, and that the wheels of justice must be allowed to turn.
As we begin to move to the next step of recovery, ensuring the integrity of the criminal justice system and the forthcoming trial is of paramount importance. It is in no one’s interest to jeopardise an ongoing investigation with rumours and conspiracy theories on the internet. All these comments do is risk prejudicing the trial and risk seeing justice denied.
I find it highly irresponsible for politicians to imply untruths
The unwarranted speculation that we have seen on X and other sites has been rife. You only have to look to the summer, where false claims and counterclaims led to riots in Southport the day after the attack, as well as across many towns in the UK.
The targeting of a place of worship in my constituency, a newly renovated children’s library in Liverpool and an attack on a Citizens’ Advice Bureau in Sunderland all highlight the dangers of social media and speculation around this case. If these levels of rumour and hearsay continue to spread the chances of hindering the trial become more likely, which could shatter any steps towards recovery that our community has begun to make.
The principles of contempt of court and reporting restrictions have lasted for decades in this country. It is not a cover-up; it is a part of the function of our British justice system and about ensuring those who committed this crime will face the full force of the law.
In 2011, the jury in the trial of Levi Bellfield on a charge of the attempted abduction of an 11-year-old girl was discharged by the judge because of prejudicial publicity. In 1991, Lisa and Michelle Taylor were convicted of stabbing to death Alison Shaughnessy but were later cleared on appeal after prejudicial reporting during their trial.
In this context, I find it highly irresponsible for politicians to imply untruths, suggesting that “the state should not be lying to its own citizens” or that “serious questions” need to be asked of the police.
Regrettably, it needs to be said that criticisms of police transparency and accusations of dishonesty do not reflect the reality of the situation here. The officers who acted bravely in July to save lives are the same officers who faced unjust hostility stemming from misinformation.
These are the same police officers who stepped in to try to protect and save children’s lives; the same officers who had bricks thrown at them based on inflammatory online speculation; the same officers who are denied the right of reply to senior politicians.
As we approach the trial, my duty as a Member of Parliament is to stand up for the people of Southport. As Members of Parliament, all across the House must unite to preserve trust in the institutions that form our justice and democracy. Whether through supporting local police or championing social cohesion, we must lead by example.
I urge everyone to stop the speculation, avoid spreading rumours, and allow justice to take its course.
Patrick Hurley, Labour MP for Southport
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