The brutal murder of Arthur Labinjo-Hughes was truly horrific and should never have been allowed to take place. What lies behind this case are two cruel human beings who subjected this poor child to unimaginable experiences that no one in life should ever suffer. My thoughts continue to go to Arthur’s extended family on this difficult day.
The report makes it clear that Arthur was let down by several agencies across Solihull. In particular, the fact that images of bruising were not shared correctly due to a lack of multi-agency strategy discussions. It is clear that cross-agency relationships need to improve urgently across Solihull. Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council has already put in a number of improvements this year as the report highlights.
Solihull Children’s Services and other agencies like West Midlands Police now need to seriously consider, and implement in full, the recommendations set out in this report to ensure that Solihull can once again have faith and confidence in the system which should be there to protect vulnerable children in our community.
As Member of Parliament for Solihull, I want to make it abundantly clear to my constituents that I will work around the clock to ensure that the decision-makers in these agencies get the recommendations implemented as soon as possible. I know that the Department for Education will also be closely monitoring their approaches over the coming weeks and months ahead.
Arthur’s brutal murder should never have happened, and no child should ever have to experience this level of cruelty ever again.
