Shukri Abdi

The case of Shukri Abdi, who drowned in the River Irwell in summer 2019, is utterly heartbreaking and I cannot begin to imagine the pain that Shukri's family and friends are going through. I understand that the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has investigated Greater Manchester Police’s (GMP) handling of the case and has shared its findings with both Shukri’s family and GMP. This will be published at the next inquest, with a date to be confirmed.

The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham - whose duties include that of Police and Crime Commissioner – committed to looking into the case further. I have written to Andy Burnham to support this and have asked to be kept updated of any progress that comes of this. The family of Shukri deserve a thorough investigation and should expect it to be conducted in a timely and transparent way.

I have also written to Gavin Williamson (Secretary of State for Education) more generally on the need to improve the diversity of the curriculum and education that our children receive in schools.