Between 2003 and May this year I Chaired three Scrutiny Committees; firstly, the Education Scrutiny Committee (prior to the Every Child Matters Agenda), then Children’s Services Panel which was renamed Children and Young People.  Therefore, I have followed the numerous news reports with interest about the tragedy of Baby P; however I found it very difficult to come to terms with the fact that history appears to be repeating itself. I can remember set down in front of officers along with other Scrutiny Members asking questions about the Victoria Climbie enquiry, and naturally our main concerns was could this ever happen again but particularly in North East Lincolnshire – I believed we were reassured. 

Over the last week one blog I have closely followed is Lynne Featherstone online account of the affair; therefore if you would like to keep up to date visit: Lynne’s Parliament and Haringey Diary  

Today, she wrote months after the lawyer for Nevres Kemal (the whistleblowing social worker) had written to the four ministers David Lammy (minister as well as the tragic Baby P’s own MP), Patricia Hewitt, Ivan Lewis and Rosie Winterton and got no satisfactory response – her story finally came to Lynne – can’t say how.

Lynne was naturally concerned owing to fact that Haringey was the Borough when the previous tragedy had occurred with Victoria Climbie that had led to the major changes in Local Government. It appears to me that Lynne Featherstone is highlighting in this article and earlier articles that severe failings have taken place, not just within the council but government and inspectors were aware of the issues. Therefore, it must be right that some actions should follow.If you are interested in reading further articles from this account, visit: Lynne’s Parliament and Haringey Diary