'Fund safe places for our youngsters' - Lancashire MP after tragic death of 12-year-old Junior Slater
Maya Ellis was in Ribchester on the day Junior Slater died, and said she is “devastated” for his family and friends.
Ribble Valley MP Maya Ellis has made a Parliamentary call, following the death of 12-year-old Junior Slater in the River Ribble at Ribchester.
Mrs Ellis, who was in Ribchester on the day Junior drowned and says she is “devastated” for his family and her thoughts are with them this week, as they prepare for his funeral on Thursday.
On Tuesday, Mrs Ellis took part in a water safety debate in Parliament, where she called on the Government to do more to prevent future tragedies.
She said: “A few weeks ago, 12-year-old Junior Slater tragically drowned in the River Ribble in the heart of my constituency. We will cover many things to prevent such senseless losses in this debate, but what struck me most in the village on the day that it happened was the hundreds of young people who were there from surrounding towns looking for something nice to do on a sunny day.
“Does my hon. Friend agree that, in order to prevent tragic deaths such as Junior’s, we need to ensure that there is also funding for places where young people can go and enjoy the outdoors safely, and will he join me in sending best wishes to the Slater family ahead of Junior’s funeral this Thursday?”
The debate - brought by Southampton Itchen MP Darren Paffey - was added to by many MPs who represent areas where 18 other people died in water during the May heatwave, who each called on the Government for action, including increased education, more resources for emergency responders, and increased access to public swimming pools.
Response
Emma Hardy, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, extended her ‘deepest condolences’ to the families and friends of all those who have lost their lives in water.
She said she would work on many issues raised by members, including water company’s responsibility over safety equipment, free swimming lessons for children during summer, talks with national parks and the role they play in water safety, and education programmes for young people.
In conclusion she said: “Many different Departments need to work together, looking at what they are responsible for and making sure that they action things through their Department. I would be happy to assist my hon. Friend the Member for Southampton Itchen in convening that meeting. It is through all these efforts, working together and backed by Government, that we reduce risk, save lives and ensure that people can continue to enjoy our waters safely.”