August 2020
Dear Constituent,
Thank you for writing to me about Shukri Yahye-Abdi. I have read your email carefully and noted the key points that you raise.
The death of Shukri was tragic and deeply distressing. My thoughts continue to be with her family and friends at this difficult time.
I know that many of my constituents have raised 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.
I am sure you will appreciate that as the inquest is yet to finish, 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. Please be assured that I will continue to follow this inquest closely.
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 will be monitoring all developments in this incredibly troubling case very closely.
Thank you again for writing to me.
With best wishes.
Kind regards,
Jonathan Lord MP
Member of Parliament for Woking