Keir Starmer has denied engaging in a cover-up to prevent the public knowing about Southport killer Axel Rudakubana’s background in the aftermath of his murderous rampage. The prime minister insisted he was following “the law of the land” to avoid the possibility of the case against the 18-year-old collapsing and him then being able to walk free.

The Prime Minister spoke live to the nation from Number 10 Downing Street on Tuesday in response to the Southport attack

Watch again as Sir Keir Starmer held aDowning Street press conference on Tuesday (20 January) as a public inquiry was announced into the Southport killings. The prime minister announced a public inquiry will be held into the murders of three girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport by 18-year-old Axel Rudakubana “that can get to the truth about what happened and what needs to change”.

The prime minister has addressed the nation after the government announced an inquiry into state failings to prevent the Southport attack.

Britain faces a new threat of terrorism from “extreme violence carried out by loners, misfits, young men in their bedrooms” following the Southport murders, the Prime Minister has said