MPs Call for Public Inquiry into James Bulger Case Amid Concerns Over Justice System Failures
Members of Parliament are urging the government to launch a public inquiry into the murder of two-year-old James Bulger, who was abducted and killed by two 10-year-old boys in 1993.
The renewed call comes after a petition signed by over 213,000 people questioned why one of the killers, Jon Venables, was released and later reoffended. Six years after the petition’s submission, MPs say the public deserves full transparency.
Despite growing pressure, the government maintains that a full inquiry is “not necessary.”
James was taken from the New Strand shopping centre in Bootle while his mother, Denise Fergus, was momentarily distracted at the checkout. He was then tortured and murdered by Jon Venables and Robert Thompson. Both were given life sentences but released after serving eight years, with their identities protected under a lifelong anonymity order.
Since his release, Venables has repeatedly broken the law. The petition calls for a detailed review of his rehabilitation process and questions how experts concluded he was no longer a threat before releasing him.
During a debate in Westminster Hall, Labour MP for Wavertree Paula Barker said: “If there is nothing to hide, then let all the facts be laid bare.” She argued that, much like with the Hillsborough disaster, families of victims continue to be denied transparency and justice.
“It’s unbelievably cruel that James’s family is still fighting for answers 31 years later,” she added.
Sir George Howarth, Labour MP for Knowsley, also supported the inquiry, criticizing the government’s response as “overly defensive and vague.” He highlighted concerns from Denise Fergus and other family members who feel their voices have not been taken seriously.
He stated: “A public inquiry remains the best way forward. If an alternative approach could deliver the same level of transparency and accountability, we’d be willing to consider it.”
Venables, who was first released in 2001, has been recalled to prison multiple times—first in 2010 and again in 2017—for possessing indecent images of children. In December last year, the Parole Board refused his release, citing ongoing concerns that he poses a danger to children.
Labour MP Jess Phillips also weighed in, saying Denise Fergus was not provided with the level of communication and support she deserved. She emphasized the broader impact of such cases, stating: “Public inquiries aren’t just about justice for one family—they help ensure the system works correctly for everyone.”
Responding to the debate, Justice Minister Edward Argar acknowledged the deep concerns raised but said he was not in a position to announce a public inquiry at this time. He offered to meet with Sir George and other MPs to continue the conversation.