Latest news with #bereavedFamilies
BBC News
25-06-2025
- BBC News
Tighter rules for new drivers backed by deputy mayor
West Yorkshire's deputy mayor for policing and crime - whose own sister was killed by a speeding driver - is backing a campaign for tighter regulations on newly qualified Lowe's sister Debbie was fatally injured on Roundhay Road in Leeds in 1965 aged just three years met other families who have lost loved ones as she called on the government to introduce graduated driving licences (GDLs).She said: "A big change is needed and GDL has been proven to work, improving safety not only for drivers, but all road users." GDLs would impose conditions on new drivers for a period of time after passing their test, allowing them to develop their skills before they obtain a full could include controls over the number of young passengers they are allowed to carry or a zero alcohol limit. Speaking of the loss of her sister, Lowe said: "I was a year old."I never got to know her, I never got to grow up with her."The impact on my family was devastating. My mum and dad never forgot her."Lowe joined other bereaved relatives who are backing the West Yorkshire Vision Zero campaign, which seeks to end all road death and serious injuries in the county by Leeds' Park Square, she met Ian Greenwood, whose daughter Alice, aged 12, was killed by a speeding O'Neill's daughter, also called Alice, aged nine, was killed by a speeding driver who failed to stop at a red Dustain's mother Debbie was killed in a crash. Ms Dustain, aged three at the time, was also in the vehicle and suffered serious Sarah Harrison's mother Mary was killed when a speeding car hit the taxi she was travelling a joint statement they said: "The ongoing impact and devastation of the death of a loved one in these circumstances cannot adequately be put into words."We want to do everything in our power to prevent it from happening to anyone else." Last year, Spen Valley MP Kim Leadbeater introduced her Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (New Drivers) Bill under the so-called Ten Minute Rule to tighten legislation on newly qualified proposal for graduated driving licences had cross-party support in the House of licences are backed by many road safety and motoring organisations including the AA, the RAC and Brake. Their introduction also has the support of the Association of British who also chairs the Vision Zero partnership, said: "Five of us gathered at the memorial, the same number of people that needlessly die every day on UK roads."We're clear here in West Yorkshire that a big change is needed and GDL has been proven to work, improving safety not only for drivers, but all road users."A Department for Transport spokesperson said that every road death was a "tragedy" and the government was developing a new road safety said: "Whilst we are not considering graduated driving licences, we absolutely recognise that young people are disproportionately victims of tragic incidents on our roads."We are already taking action to tackle this, including through our THINK! campaign, which has a focus on men aged 17-24 as they are four times more likely to be killed or seriously injured than other drivers." Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North or tell us a story you think we should be covering here.
The Independent
23-06-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Omagh inquiry told pace of disclosure ‘must increase'
The speed of disclosure to the Omagh Bombing Inquiry 'must increase', counsel to the proceedings has said. The Omagh Bombing Inquiry, chaired by Lord Turnbull, is hearing opening statements from core participants including representatives of bereaved families, victims, the PSNI, and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. The Real IRA bomb in the Co Tyrone town in August 1998 killed 29 people, including a woman who was pregnant with twins, in the worst single atrocity in the Troubles in Northern Ireland. The public inquiry was set up by the previous government to examine whether the explosion could have been prevented by the UK authorities. The opening statement section of the inquiry will take place over Monday and Tuesday. Earlier this year the inquiry heard personal statements from those affected by the massacre. Prior to the opening statements on Monday, Paul Greaney KC, counsel to the inquiry, told Lord Turnbull that the legal team had hoped that disclosure from relevant bodies would have been more advanced than it currently is. He further argued that there would be value in having at least one hearing to discuss progress of disclosure in September or October. 'The understandable consequence of the level of disclosure to core participants is that the opening statements of the bereaved families and survivors cannot be as detailed or evidence focused as they would have wished,' he said. Noting that the next stage of the inquiry will commence in March, he said: 'That gap of nine months between Chapter Two and Chapter Three is unfortunate, in our view.' He added: 'The simple fact is that the speed of disclosure to the inquiry by material providers must increase, and that is why we repeat the need for the state core participants and indeed all material providers to work at pace to fulfil the requirements of the inquiry and to ensure that the necessary resources, both human and financial, are dedicated to that work.' Mr Greaney noted that many documents exist only in hard copy and – even when held digitally – may take time to review and be disclosed. He offered three further general observations on proceedings. Mr Greaney stressed that the inquiry was not constrained by any other previous proceeding, investigation or review in its eventual findings. That comment came in advance of the written submission on behalf of Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn which contained a reference to the judicial review which led to the formation of the inquiry. At that time, a judge accepted that four of 10 grounds under consideration gave rise to a plausible argument that the bombing was preventable. Addressing concerns raised by survivors and victims that relevant documentation will be declared 'missing', Mr Greaney said any such claim 'will be subject to the most intense scrutiny by the inquiry', including demands around information on the search efforts and expectations of material being recovered. He added that the inquiry would use its powers to ensure the fullest possible levels of disclosure. On the subject of candour, Mr Greaney said the inquiry expects openness and transparency from state core participants He said state core participants have not made any such concessions in their written opening statements and reminded them that they would be subject to scrutiny. Fiona Fee KC, for the Northern Ireland Secretary, told the inquiry that 'a significant volume of work' has been undertaken in relation to inquiry disclosure. 'To explain the scope of the efforts, it's crucial to understand the extent of the materials involved,' she said. 'There is a vast volume of material which must be collated, carefully reviewed and provided to the inquiry. 'This process is not simply a matter of gathering readily available paperwork, it's an immense logistical undertaking requiring meticulous attention to detail, thorough analysis and a strategic, organised approach.' Ms Fee said the Northern Ireland Secretary had offered sincere condolences to all those who had suffered as a result of the 'horrific terrorist atrocity' at Omagh. A number of organisations fall under the remit of the NI Secretary as a core participant, including the UK Intelligence Community (UKIC), the Ministry of Defence (MoD), the Northern Ireland Office (NIO), the Cabinet Office (CO) and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Ms Fee said the scale of the work involved in seeking information on the 31 historic incidents identified by the inquiry is 'extraordinary'. She noted that there will be variations on what is disclosed across the Secretary of State grouping, adding that there will 'inevitably' be material that cannot be disclosed in open but will still be provided to the inquiry chairman. In particular, she said there will only be a 'very limited amount' that UKIC can say in open. However, Ms Fee said the intelligence sector was 'engaging meaningfully' with the inquiry and undergoing 'an extremely difficult disclosure' exercise. She added that the Secretary of State grouping is not in a position to make an assessment on whether any concession is appropriate as the overall disclosure process and evidential picture is at 'an early stage'. 'The available information would result in an incomplete picture, and the risk of error is significant,' she said.
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Omagh inquiry told pace of disclosure ‘must increase'
The speed of disclosure to the Omagh Bombing Inquiry 'must increase', counsel to the proceedings has said. The Omagh Bombing Inquiry, chaired by Lord Turnbull, is hearing opening statements from core participants including representatives of bereaved families, victims, the PSNI, and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. The Real IRA bomb in the Co Tyrone town in August 1998 killed 29 people, including a woman who was pregnant with twins, in the worst single atrocity in the Troubles in Northern Ireland. The public inquiry was set up by the previous government to examine whether the explosion could have been prevented by the UK authorities. The opening statement section of the inquiry will take place over Monday and Tuesday. Earlier this year the inquiry heard personal statements from those affected by the massacre. Prior to the opening statements on Monday, Paul Greaney KC, counsel to the inquiry, told Lord Turnbull that the legal team had hoped that disclosure from relevant bodies would have been more advanced than it currently is. He further argued that there would be value in having at least one hearing to discuss progress of disclosure in September or October. 'The understandable consequence of the level of disclosure to core participants is that the opening statements of the bereaved families and survivors cannot be as detailed or evidence focused as they would have wished,' he said. Noting that the next stage of the inquiry will commence in March, he said: 'That gap of nine months between Chapter Two and Chapter Three is unfortunate, in our view.' He added: 'The simple fact is that the speed of disclosure to the inquiry by material providers must increase, and that is why we repeat the need for the state core participants and indeed all material providers to work at pace to fulfil the requirements of the inquiry and to ensure that the necessary resources, both human and financial, are dedicated to that work.' Mr Greaney noted that many documents exist only in hard copy and – even when held digitally – may take time to review and be disclosed. He offered three further general observations on proceedings. Mr Greaney stressed that the inquiry was not constrained by any other previous proceeding, investigation or review in its eventual findings. That comment came in advance of the written submission on behalf of Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn which contained a reference to the judicial review which led to the formation of the inquiry. At that time, a judge accepted that four of 10 grounds under consideration gave rise to a plausible argument that the bombing was preventable. Addressing concerns raised by survivors and victims that relevant documentation will be declared 'missing', Mr Greaney said any such claim 'will be subject to the most intense scrutiny by the inquiry', including demands around information on the search efforts and expectations of material being recovered. He added that the inquiry would use its powers to ensure the fullest possible levels of disclosure. On the subject of candour, Mr Greaney said the inquiry expects openness and transparency from state core participants He said state core participants have not made any such concessions in their written opening statements and reminded them that they would be subject to scrutiny. Fiona Fee KC, for the Northern Ireland Secretary, told the inquiry that 'a significant volume of work' has been undertaken in relation to inquiry disclosure. 'To explain the scope of the efforts, it's crucial to understand the extent of the materials involved,' she said. 'There is a vast volume of material which must be collated, carefully reviewed and provided to the inquiry. 'This process is not simply a matter of gathering readily available paperwork, it's an immense logistical undertaking requiring meticulous attention to detail, thorough analysis and a strategic, organised approach.' Ms Fee said the Northern Ireland Secretary had offered sincere condolences to all those who had suffered as a result of the 'horrific terrorist atrocity' at Omagh. A number of organisations fall under the remit of the NI Secretary as a core participant, including the UK Intelligence Community (UKIC), the Ministry of Defence (MoD), the Northern Ireland Office (NIO), the Cabinet Office (CO) and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Ms Fee said the scale of the work involved in seeking information on the 31 historic incidents identified by the inquiry is 'extraordinary'. She noted that there will be variations on what is disclosed across the Secretary of State grouping, adding that there will 'inevitably' be material that cannot be disclosed in open but will still be provided to the inquiry chairman. In particular, she said there will only be a 'very limited amount' that UKIC can say in open. However, Ms Fee said the intelligence sector was 'engaging meaningfully' with the inquiry and undergoing 'an extremely difficult disclosure' exercise. She added that the Secretary of State grouping is not in a position to make an assessment on whether any concession is appropriate as the overall disclosure process and evidential picture is at 'an early stage'. 'The available information would result in an incomplete picture, and the risk of error is significant,' she said.
The Independent
23-06-2025
- Health
- The Independent
New maternity investigation to look at 10 ‘worst services'
A new maternity investigation is set to focus on the 10 'worst performing' maternity services in England. Leeds and Sussex maternity services will be examined as part of the investigation, officials confirmed after Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced a national investigation into maternity services. There have been a series of maternity scandals in recent years, with official reviews launched into a number of services including those in Nottingham; East Kent; Shrewsbury and Telford and Morecambe Bay. Officials said these independent reviews found similar failings in compassionate care – including the failure to listen to women, concerns over safety and issues with leadership and culture. Bereaved families in other areas have also called for their own inquiries, including families in Sussex, Leeds and Oxford. The Department of Health and Social Care said the new investigation will consist of two parts. The first will investigate up to 10 of the most concerning maternity and neonatal units, including Sussex, in the coming weeks to give affected families answers as quickly as possible, according to the Department of Health. The second will be a 'system-wide' look at maternity and neonatal care, uniting lessons from past maternity inquiries to create one clear set of actions designed to improve national NHS care. Officials have confirmed there will be local reviews into services in Leeds and Sussex, with the other areas to be confirmed 'shortly'. The Department of Health and Social Care said that during the next month NHS England chief executive Sir Jim Mackey and chief nursing officer Duncan Burton will meet the trusts of greatest concern, including Leeds, Gloucester, Mid and South Essex and Sussex. It is expected that during these meetings the top NHS officials will 'hold them to account for improvement'. Wes Streeting said he would be looking at individual cases of families in Leeds and Sussex who suffered from NHS failures. Speaking at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists conference in London, he said: 'We'll bring in a package of measures to start taking action now, increasing accountability across the board, and bringing in the cultural change we need to see. 'Within the next month, the NHS chief executive, Jim Mackey, and the chief nursing officer, Duncan Burton, will meet the trusts of greatest concern, including Leeds, Gloucester, Mid and South Essex and Sussex, to hold them to account for improvement.' He added: 'I'm currently discussing with Leeds families the best way to grip the challenges brought to light in that trust by their campaigning, reports in the media and the latest CQC report, and I'll be ordering an investigation into nine specific cases identified by families in Sussex who are owed a thorough account of what happened in those cases.' A spokesperson for Families Failed by OUH Maternity Services – a campaign calling for an investigation into maternity services at Oxford University Hospitals – said: 'We are pleased to see Wes Streeting launch a national investigation into maternity services – it is vital and long overdue. 'We urge him to include Oxford University Hospitals Trust as one of the 10 units. 'Over 500 Oxfordshire families who have suffered serious harm in the care of OUH maternity services have joined together to raise awareness of the devastating failures happening in the trust – highlighting the need for an investigation.' The Nottingham Affected Families Group said in a statement: 'Nottingham families have had their lives destroyed by the very people who they trusted during their most vulnerable time of life. 'Our lives stopped one day, and we will forever be broken. We will forever have to live with the harm, trauma, and the many missing children, mothers and siblings. In no other walk of life would this be acceptable without some form of accountability. 'We welcome the unique chance to work face-to-face with Wes Streeting on these issues. However, we believe a rapid review will only reinforce the need for a public inquiry, as the current plan lacks enforceable actions for real improvement.' Emily Barley, spokeswoman for the Maternity Safety Alliance, added: 'The systemic problems in maternity care are serious, enduring, and resistant to change, and can only be fixed by a statutory public inquiry. We urge Wes Streeting and Keir Starmer to order one without any further delay.' The NHS paid out £2.8 billion in compensation last year, with 41% of all payouts related to maternity care, according to data obtained by the Liberal Democrats from the House of Commons Library which was published earlier this year.
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
What we about the NHS maternity services national inquiry
The government has launched a national NHS investigation after a series maternity service scandals relating to care, safety, culture and oversight. The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said that the investigation would 'drive urgent improvements to care and safety' and 'provide truth to families suffering harm'. Officials said that the investigation would examine the entire maternity system, including an urgent review into the worst-performing services. It comes after Health Secretary Wes Streeting met with bereaved families, and apologised on behalf of the NHS for what they have been through. 'All of them have had to fight the truth and justice, they describe being ignored, gaslit, lied to, manipulated and damaged further by the inability for a trust to simply be honest with them that something has gone wrong," Streeting said. 'I want to say publicly how sorry I am. 'Sorry for what the NHS has put them through; sorry for the way they've been treated since by the state and sorry that we haven't put this right yet, because these families are owed more than an apology. "They're owed change; they're owed accountability and they're owed the truth.' It is expected that the investigation will report back by the end of the year. DHSC said it is also launching a 'National Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce', which will be chaired by Streeting.
