Home Office minister's tribute to A66 crash victims draws criticism

Home Office Minister Anna Turley issued a statement on Thursday honoring the seven victims of the recent Manchester school shooting, describing them as “inspiring, courageous, and deeply loved.” The tribute, released through the Home Office’s official channels, praised the families’ resilience and called for continued support for the community.

The remarks were met with swift criticism from Shadow Justice Secretary, Yvette Cooper, who accused Turley of “insensitive timing” and “political opportunism.” Cooper urged the government to focus on concrete policy responses rather than public displays of sympathy, and called for a review of the Home Office’s crisis‑response protocols. The incident has reignited debate over the Home Office’s handling of the tragedy and the broader national conversation about gun violence and school safety.