THE tragic death of Taunton student Barnaby Webber in Nottingham was raised during PMQs on Wednesday (April 2).
MP Gideon Amos (Lib Dem, Taunton & Wellington) used a question to the Prime Minister to request an update on the inquiry into the violent deaths of 19-year-old Barnaby and two others in Nottingham in June 2023.
During the horrific incident, Barnaby and Grace O’Malley-Kumar were stabbed on their way home from a night out by Valdo Calocane, who also went on to kill 65-year-old Ian Coates.
In February, a judge-led inquiry into the attacks was announced and on Wednesday, Mr Amos raised the issue once more.
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“A recent NHS England report laid bare the catalogue of failures that left a patient with a history of violent aggression unconfined, untreated and completely unmedicated for nine months, until he killed Ian Coates and the young friends Grace O’Malley-Kumar and Barnaby Webber, from Taunton in my constituency,” Mr Amos told the Prime Minister.
“Will the Prime Minister join me and the people of Taunton in paying tribute to the families who have campaigned on this matter? Will he confirm that a public inquiry is to begin?
“Given the 50% cut to integrated care boards, will he also confirm that mental health services, both in the community and secure, will not suffer as a result of those cuts?”
Nottingham attack victims Ian Coates, Barnaby Webber and Grace OMalley-Kumar. Pictures: CPS
The Prime Minister replied by paying tribute to the families of the victims, and added: “When it comes to cases such as this, I often find it hard to think how I would respond if I were a family member in such circumstances.
“I am not sure I would have the courage that those families have to campaign in the way they have done, and I pay tribute to them for it.
“We need to get to the bottom of all these issues, wherever they may lie, and that is what we will do.”
After the session, Mr Amos said: “It’s really important that we stand by the whole Webber family and everything they are doing to secure justice and a proper investigation into what happened.
“Just as Taunton residents have shown their support, my role is simply to provide my support to Emma, Dave and Charlie in what they are trying to do.
“Last year’s memorial service for Barnaby at the Minster brought out the joyful way in which he deserves to always be remembered.”
It’s really sad to hear about Barnaby Webber. I hope the inquiry leads to some answers and helps prevent further tragedies.
It’s heartbreaking to hear about Barnaby Webber’s tragic death. I hope the inquiry brings justice and answers to his family and friends. We need to ensure safety for all students.