A group of survivors and bereaved families has called on Sir Keir Starmer to launch a public inquiry into the scale of harm caused by online forums that promote suicide. In a letter to the Prime Minister, they say loved ones were let down by a state that was slow to respond to threats, despite repeated warnings. The group notes that authorities across several government departments have received a combined 65 warnings about the risks from suicide forums since 2019, and that action has not been taken.

An analysis by the Molly Rose Foundation and the Families And Survivors To Prevent Online Suicide Harms campaign warns of an online forum that continues to encourage vulnerable people to take their own lives. Missed Chances, Lost Lives does not name the site or the substance described as a poison believed linked to at least 133 UK deaths. Coroners have raised concerns about the substance or the forums with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the Home Office and the Department of Health at least 65 times since 2019.

Leigh Day has written to ministers urging a public inquiry, arguing that coroners’ courts cannot deliver the changes needed to shield vulnerable people from such online sites. Andy Burrows, chief executive of the Molly Rose Foundation, said: “This report paints clear how repeated failures of the state to protect its vulnerable citizens mean that the nihilistic potential of a suicide forum has cost countless lives.” Munira Wilson, Liberal Democrat education spokeswoman, added: “A statutory public inquiry into the 133 lost lives is an urgent next step and must be conducted swiftly and sensitively to learn lessons and act decisively.” A Leigh Day partner said a statutory inquiry is urgently required to explain why opportunities to act were missed and to ensure lessons are shared across agencies. The Samaritans offer 24-hour support for people at risk of suicide and can be reached on 116 123 or at samaritans.org.