Pre-trial statement from the Home Secretary Yvette Cooper

Pre-trial statement from the Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, in regard to the trial of Axel Rudakubana which is due to commence today, 20 January 2025, at Liverpool Crown Court.

Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, said:

“This will be a deeply traumatic and distressing time for the families of Alice, Bebe and Elsie, the survivors, and the people of Southport and the whole country will be thinking of them.

“The most important thing for all of us is to ensure that the legal process can take its course, to respect the difficult job the court has to do so there is a fair trial and justice can be done.

“There will be a time at the end of this trial to discuss what happened and the action needed in response to this horrific tragedy. But for now, and until the proceedings have concluded, the priority for all of us must be to ensure justice is done.”