The death of Shukri was tragic and deeply distressing. My thoughts continue to be with her family and friends at this difficult time.
I appreciate your concerns regarding the role of Greater Manchester Police (GMP) in this case. I welcome the fact that the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) had the opportunity to investigate GMP’s handling of the case.
As I am sure you will appreciate the inquest is yet to finish, so it would not be appropriate for me to comment in detail regarding the IOPC investigation or the role of GMP. I understand that the IOPC report has been shared with Shukri Yahye-Abdi’s family.
I entirely understand your concerns about reports of bullying faced by Shukri at school. Bullying is absolutely unacceptable and should not be tolerated in our schools.
All state schools in England are required to have a behaviour policy in place that includes measures to prevent all forms of bullying among pupils. While schools are free to develop their own anti-bullying strategies, they are held to account for their effectiveness by Ofsted. Schools also have an important role to play in promoting community cohesion and integration.
Ultimately, it is important that school leaders identify any bullying in our schools and work hard, with the support available, to stamp it out.
I am deeply troubled by Shukri’s case and will be urgently bringing this to the attention of the Secretary of State for Education.
