Call for public inquiry into James Bulger murder case to be debated by MPs

• Watch the debate (from 4.30pm, Monday 25 March)
• Read the debate transcript (available shortly after the conclusion of the debate).
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Sir George Howarth MP has been asked by the Committee to open the debate. MPs from all parties can take part, and the Government will send a minister to respond.

We want a Public Inquiry into the James Bulger murder case.

This petition, which has more than 213,000 signatures, states: “Throughout the conduct of the case there have been a number of issues that have been swept under the carpet. It's high time they were investigated.”

In its response to the petition, provided on 14 February 2018, the then Government said: “The offender was convicted of further offences as a direct result of robust and effective monitoring. Therefore the Government considers that a public inquiry into this tragic case is not necessary.”

What are petitions debates?

Petitions debates are 'general' debates which allow MPs from all parties to discuss the important issues raised by one or more petitions, and put their concerns to Government Ministers.

Petition debates don’t end with a vote to implement the request of a petition. This means MPs will not vote on the request of the petition at the end of the debate. Instead, the aim is to give MPs an opportunity to discuss the issues raised by a petition, and get a response from the Government.

Petition debates are scheduled by the Petitions Committee. Only e-petitions started on the Parliament petitions site are considered by the Petitions Committee.

Further information

• Find out more about the role of the Petitions Committee
• Find out more about select committees

Image: UK Parliament/Tyler Allicock