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What the councillor for children’s services said
Evening Standard13.11.08
This is the full text of a statement about the Baby P case made today by Liz Santry, Haringey Council cabinet member for children and young people.
"On behalf of Haringey Council I would like to say how deeply saddened I am about the death of Baby P.
"This is a really tragic occurrence and the circumstances of his death are really dreadful.
"He died over 15 months ago, and for those past 15 months in Haringey there has been a huge amount of anguish, and endless discussion about what more we might have done to save this little boy.
"I have to say that we are truly sorry that we did not do more to protect him.
"Our duty is to protect our children. We did not do so in this instance and I would like to say how truly sorry we are.
"The Government has arranged for inspectors to come into Haringey.
"They are arriving this afternoon and we absolutely welcome their arrival. We will do everything we can to be open and cooperative with them and the conclusions that they reach we will implement swiftly and comprehensively.
"We want to do everything we possibly can to make our child protection procedures as strong as possible.
"What I hope to do is that we will wait until the end of the review, in two weeks' time, and until we know the outcome I will rule nothing in and nothing out.
"I reiterate how very sad and distressed we are about the death of Baby P."
Reader views (1)
Thanks, Liz Santry. As a Haringey resident who knows you, I must say that at least you, and you alone, have the courage to admit to grievous errors in Haringey Council's mis-handling of this tragedy, unlike certain of your colleagues whose arrogance and complacency are breathtaking. At last daylght is being allowed into this sickening matter. A fresh start and sackings should be the least we ratepayers of Haringey should expect, PLUS remorse and then resignation from Sharon Shoesmith who has presided over this horrid mess.
- Jan, london north
