Government Responds to Child Safeguarding Failings
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has assured that the government will implement all possible measures to prevent a recurrence of the tragic circumstances surrounding Preston Davey's death. The 13-month-old was sexually abused and murdered by his adoptive father, Jamie Varley, a former high school teacher.
Varley, 37, received a whole life sentence after Preston Crown Court heard details of the "unremitting abuse" culminating in a fatal sexual assault. His partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, was sentenced to 25 years in prison for his role in allowing the abuse and participating in it.
Commitment to New Safeguards
During a session in the Commons, Ms. Phillipson confirmed that new safeguards outlined in the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 would be rolled out by March. She expressed satisfaction that "justice has been served" against the individuals she described as "evil abusers."
Helen Hayes, Chairwoman of the Education Committee, urged ministers to provide a timeline for establishing "multi-agency child protection teams in every local authority area." The Labour MP for Dulwich and West Norwood highlighted "serious safeguarding failings in Preston's case and other recent cases of children who should have been safe in the care of the state." She questioned the expected timetable for these reforms and the speed at which stronger safeguarding practices could be consistently implemented nationwide.
"Our thoughts must be with all of those who loved and knew Preston, and it is right that the evil abusers that committed these sickening and shocking crimes are now behind bars," Ms. Phillipson stated. "The House can be assured that we take this extremely seriously, it is why I have asked for independent experts to look at Oldham Council, Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and the regional adoption agency to look carefully at all of the issues and concerns that have been raised through this process."
Ongoing Reviews and Future Actions
Ms. Phillipson also noted that a child safeguarding practice review is underway, led by the local safeguarding partnership in collaboration with the national child safeguarding practice review, to ensure its thoroughness and quality.
Suella Braverman, Reform UK's education spokeswoman, raised concerns about why alarms were not raised by the various health professionals and social workers who had contact with baby Preston. She also questioned what actions are currently being taken to safeguard children under the care of Oldham Council.
Ms. Phillipson reiterated that updating legislation to enhance child safety is an "urgent priority" for the current government. "We can't bring Preston back, but we can make sure that we do everything within our power to stop this happening to other children in future," she concluded.