Louise Haigh MP Demands Action to Prevent Another Tragedy Like Harvey Willgoose’s

Louise Haigh MP for Sheffield Heeley, has called on the Government to urgently act on lessons from the devastating death of 15 year old Harvey Willgoose, and ensure no other family has to endure such a tragedy.

The MP for Sheffield Heeley has long campaigned for tougher measures on dangerous weapons, and in Parliament, has been urging the Government to take decisive action to crack down on knife crime and protect communities like ours. Advocating for a whole-system approach, working with youth services, schools, police, and community organisations to stop violence before it starts.

Harvey, a pupil at All Saints Catholic High School, was murdered earlier this year by a fellow pupil. His killer has now been convicted, and a national child safeguarding review panel has been set up to examine the circumstances leading up to his death.

In the House of Commons this week, Ms Haigh warned that too often such panels make powerful recommendations which are left to gather dust rather than drive real change.

She asked the Home Secretary directly:

“Earlier this year, 15-year-old Harvey Willgoose was murdered by a fellow pupil when attending school. His murderer has now been convicted and a national child safeguarding review panel set up, but time and time again such panels make the same recommendations and we fail to implement the kind of learnings and culture change that would ensure that another tragedy like this does not happen. 

“Will the Home Secretary reassure Harvey’s family that she will ensure that those panel recommendations are implemented and that we can avoid any family like Harvey’s suffering that same tragedy again?”

In response, the Minister offered sympathy to Harvey’s family and confirmed that the Government intends to create a new Child Protection Authority. Which had been recommended in a previous inquiry, to provide effective national oversight to ensure that lessons are learned.

Speaking after the exchange, Louise Haigh MP said:

“Harvey’s death was a devastating tragedy which has left his family, friends and our whole community heartbroken. The Government’s promise of a new Child Protection Authority is welcome, but promises alone will not keep children safe.

Too many times, reviews have been held, recommendations made, and nothing changes. The Government must now move quickly to deliver this new Authority and guarantee that its recommendations are acted on. I will continue to fight for Harvey’s family, and for every child in Sheffield and across the country, to ensure that this tragedy leads to real, lasting change.”