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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
National

Systemic failures that left Southport children at risk

Tributes in Southport after the multi knife attack on young children in 2024
Tributes in Southport after three girls were killed in 2024. ‘There are people walking among us who pose great danger, and they don’t all carry knives.’ Photograph: Gary Calton/The Observer

While many public agencies, along with Axel Rudakubana and his parents, have rightly been highlighted as carrying the blame for the devastating attack on children in Southport, there are some elements of our national systems that repeatedly walk away untouched by criticism (Editorial, 13 April).

Social services, the health service, police, Prevent and schools are all organised and funded by our government. The government decides how these agencies should function and what their responsibilities are.

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