I have received over 13,000 emails concerning the tragic death of Shukri Abdi.
Shukri Abdi, a Somali refugee, settled in Bury with her family in 2017. On June 27, 2019 Shukri, who was 12 years of age lost her life when her body was discovered in the River Irwell in Bury.
Her tragic death rocked our whole community and led to an outpouring of grief. I was honoured to attend a vigil last year, held in the aftermath of Shukri's tragic death, calling for a review into the circumstances leading to her passing away by the relevant statutory bodies. I also requested the police to further investigate whether any criminal offences had been committed.
Having been elected as the Member of Parliament for Bury North in December last year, I have now been able to act further to address the ongoing concerns of many who have contacted me.
Following a meeting with the Secretary of State for Education, I requested that he use the powers open to him to request Bury Council to review their initial response to Shukri’s death, enabling them to consider any new evidence and to see what lessons can be learnt. It is crucial that the relevant statutory bodies review their conclusions from 12 months ago to maintain public confidence and to reassure the community that everything was done to protect the interests of a vulnerable 12 year- old schoolgirl.
As a response to our meeting I am pleased that the Secretary of State has now written to the Interim Chair of the Child Safeguarding Practice Review requesting that Shukri’s case be reviewed and asking whether any new circumstances have come to the attention of Bury MBC which would lead them to change their original view on Shukri’s death. The Secretary of State’s correspondence can be viewed on my website at https://www.jamesdaly.org.uk/news/shukri-abdi
I have also written to Cllr Eamonn O’Brien, Leader of Bury Council, together with the Mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner for Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham seeking answers to an urgent set of questions in respect of this appalling tragedy. These letters can also be viewed on my website.
I will continue to stand up for the interests of the most vulnerable in my community.