Lynne Featherstone

Haringey’s Liberal Democrats have urged the Council to take heed of the moving speeches made by Mr and Mrs Climbie in the Haringey Council chamber.

The parents of Victoria said repeatedly that during their time in the UK, they had met all the agencies involve in their daughter’s case, with the exception of Haringey.

Speaking through an interpreter, Mr Climbie told the council meeting that the only way to learn from the mistakes was to acknowledge fault, and that they had failed to hear this acknowledged by Haringey. Without this acknowledgement, said Mr Climbie, he could not have any hope that the Council would improve its dealings with children.

Mr Climbie said the couple had met many agencies, even the Secretary of State, who had apologised directly to them. It had meant a lot, he said, that so many had taken the time to meet them, and Haringey should have done the same. This was sad, he said.

Ron Aitken, Lib Dem Social Services Spokesman, who invited the Climbies to address the Council, comments:

“As on all occasions during their time in the UK, Mr and Mrs Climbie showed great dignity and courage in addressing the council last night. Let us hope that the Council will heed their words and try to put right their failures to address the family directly over Victoria’s death. Not enough has been done, and it is time to put that right.”