A non-statutory inquiry into the death of Zane Gbangbola, a seven-year-old boy who tragically died in 2014, has been announced by Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds. The inquiry will aim to understand the circumstances surrounding Zane's death and how public services worked together during the incident.
The inquiry, led by Dr Sandie Okoro OBE, will also investigate the treatment of Zane's family in the aftermath of his death. Dr Okoro has been appointed to chair the inquiry independently, with access to subject matter and technical experts throughout the process.
The government has committed to responding publicly to any recommendations made by the inquiry. Zane's parents, Nicole Lawler and Kye Gbangbola, have campaigned tirelessly for truth and welcome the establishment of the inquiry.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said that the inquiry will provide an understanding of what happened and identify the changes needed to prevent others facing the same experience. Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds described meeting Zane's family as 'deeply moving'.
The inquiry's terms of reference will be published in due course, and Dr Okoro intends to engage with Zane's family and other key stakeholders on the draft terms in the coming weeks.