Prime Minister sets out support for Southport following stabbings and riots

Sir Keir Starmer has been in the town for the second time this week

The Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer
Author: Jonny FreemanPublished 2nd Aug 2024

The Prime Minister has made a second visit to Southport following Monday's fatal stabbings at a dance class and Tuesday's riots.

Sir Keir Starmer has met community leaders, including Mayor Steve Rotherham and Merseyside Police Chief Constable, Serena Kennedy following disorder in the town on Tuesday.

The Prime Minister also thanked staff at Liverpool's Alder Hey Children's Hospital, where some of the victims were treated.

A government spokesperson says the government and local partners are working together to coordinate a comprehensive multi-agency support offer for bereaved families and all those affected across Southport – this could include access to vital mental health and psychological services; effective communication with those affected; and a programme of engagement with the community on how to best recover and rebuild in the aftermath of the horrific events.

In order to support the long term recovery of the area, government will work with local partners on new ways to equip local leaders to help bolster community cohesion and build local resilience, including by setting up a programme of local community events and activities to help bring people together and create long lasting support networks drawing from local schools, businesses, faith groups, sports clubs and other key partners.

The package will also help support local leaders’ efforts to honour the memory of those tragically killed or injured, working with schools and others affected to commemorate them in line with the local community’s wishes.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

“As a nation, we stand with those who tragically have lost loved ones in the heinous attack in Southport, which ripped through the very fabric of this community and left us all in shock.

“It is truly inspiring to hear of all the ways in which people have come together in the face of such horrors to demonstrate true bravery, resilience and solidarity.

“I cannot begin to imagine the pain that people are going through right now, but I am determined to make sure that Southport and its leaders have all the support they need to preserve and nurture this strength of community spirit - not just in the immediate aftermath, but also in the years to come.”

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region said:

"The horrendous events of Tuesday have caused untold shock and horror across the whole country but has left Southport struggling to come to terms with such a tragedy on its doorstep.

"Once the glare of the national media has moved on, it leaves behind a community that needs to come together and rebuild. This is a tight knit area and we have already seen that inclusivity and community on full display in the town's response to the mindless violence on Tuesday night.

"It will not happen overnight, but we are determined to restore trust, build on that remarkable resilience - and, above all, ensure that Bebe, Elsie and Alice, and the victims and those traumatised, are never forgotten.

"On behalf of the Liverpool City Region, I'd like to thank the Prime Minister for the personal commitment he has given to supporting Southport through this extraordinarily difficult time."

Vigils and further tributes to Southport stabbing victims

Merseyside Police say they're fully prepared for further protests this weekend, with 15 demos planned across the country.

There are also due to be fresh vigils and tributes paid to the victims of Monday's knife attack at a dance class.

Public buildings across the country are lighting up in pink as a mark of respect.

First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Rayo app.