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Front Page of The Mirror 17th Feb 2026

Today, I am sharing a letter sent from Baroness Kidron to Lord Hermer KC, the Attorney General, seeking his permission (a fiat ) to apply to the High Court for a new inquest into the death of my son, Jools. I am asking for a new inquest because the original inquest into Jools’ death lasted just 23 minutes. No witnesses were called. No meaningful evidence was gathered. Crucially, Jools’ online activity was not examined properly. Since that inquest, serious new information has emerged. Gloucestershire Police have now agreed to re-investigate Jools’ death, following the identification of significant investigative failings by an independent former senior investigating officer and now private Dectective Mick Randall and safeguarding expert Mark Bramah , and the discovery of new forensic evidence from Jools’ devices. The police’s acknowledgement that their original investigation was inadequate inevitably raises serious questions about the adequacy of the inquest that followed. There has also been an important change in the law. Under the Online Safety Act 2023, coroners now have powers to request relevant data from social media companies via Ofcom. That data was not available to the coroner at the time of Jools’ inquest, despite written confirmation from platforms that it was preserved. A new inquest would, for the first time, be able to consider this evidence properly. This is not just about my family. A full and lawful inquest could identify lessons that help prevent future child deaths and improve how the system responds when a child dies in circumstances involving online harm. I am deeply grateful to the many peers, MPs, experts, and organisations who have signed this letter in support. Thank you in particular to Paul Wright of Alliance 4 Children for organising many of the signatures and helping bring so many voices together. Their backing reflects a shared belief that the truth matters, and that families are entitled to answers when a child dies. For Jools. And for other children who deserve better protection. #JoolsLaw #Inquest #OnlineSafety #ProtectChildren #Accountability #Justice

Today, I formally wrote to Baroness Levitt’s office again to chase a previously offered meeting and to submit a further letter setting out our concerns in more detail. The letter is supported by bereaved parents whose children died in circumstances where online activity may have played a role , and where critical digital evidence was not preserved early enough to allow proper investigation. Why I wrote again Despite existing legislation, families continue to face delay, confusion, and inconsistency when trying to preserve their child’s social media data after death. Once evidence is lost, it cannot be recovered. For many families, this means living indefinitely without answers. The purpose of the letter is to underline why automatic data preservation following the death of a child is necessary, proportionate, and urgently needed. Key concerns raised In the letter, I set out the following issues: Delay is not neutral Digital evidence can be deleted or lost rapidly, particularly where overseas platforms or cross-border contact are involved. Early misclassification is dangerous When a child’s death is quickly labelled “non-suspicious”, opportunities to preserve and examine digital evidence often collapse entirely. Not all online harms look like self-harm Grooming, coercion, blackmail, and relational exploitation frequently occur through private messages and platform features that are invisible to manual phone review. Existing mechanisms are failing families Parents report confusion, refusals, and delays when relying on discretionary routes under current law. These systems depend on early certainty that often does not exist. Automatic preservation is low burden and high protection Preservation does not mean access or analysis. It simply ensures evidence is not lost while the circumstances of a child’s death are properly established. Safeguarding must outweigh administrative convenience The cost of preserving data that is never used is minimal. The cost of losing data that later proves relevant is permanent. Why this matters Jools’ Law is about ensuring that no child’s death is prematurely closed without full understanding, and that opportunities to protect other children are not lost because a simple, temporary safeguard was not applied. I remain hopeful that a meeting will now be scheduled so these concerns can be properly discussed alongside other bereaved families who live with the consequences of evidence lost too soon. I will continue to update this page as progress is made. (Full letter attached)

The first UK families to bring legal action against TikTok in the US, seeking accountability over online safety and harmful algorithmic content. Lawsuit against TikTok (updated 6th March 2026) The UK Parents Suing TikTok We are the first UK parents to sue TikTok in the United States, bringing legal action in the state of Delaware following the deaths of our children. We believe our children were exposed to extremely harmful content, which TikTok’s algorithms promoted and amplified. These cases raise serious questions about platform design, recommendation systems, and the duty of care owed to children. Despite repeated and lawful requests, TikTok has refused to release our children’s online activity data. This data is vital to understanding what content our children were shown, how it was promoted to them, and whether the platform played a role in their deaths. 👉 You can [read the full complaint here] . Who Is Involved The case now involves five British parents: Ellen Roome Lisa Kenevan Hollie Dance Liam Walsh Louise Gibson Together, we are standing up not only for our own children, Jools, Archie, Isaac, Maia, and Noah, but for every child and every family seeking truth. This case is about truth, transparency, and accountability. We have specialist US lawyers - Social Media Victims Law Center . Their care, attention to detail, and relentless drive for answers have been invaluable to us and many other families seeking accountability from social media platforms. Court Update: TikTok Hearing and Outcome - Delaware Motion to Dismiss Hearing Our lawsuit against TikTok and its parent company ByteDance reached a crucial procedural stage on 16 January 2026 in Delaware, USA, when the court heard TikTok’s Motion to Dismiss. This hearing was not about the evidence itself, but about whether TikTok could have the case thrown out before any evidence is examined. For us as parents, it was an extremely difficult and emotional day. Sitting in a courtroom listening to abstract legal arguments about our children, while seeking answers about their deaths, was deeply painful. At the end of the hearing, the judge did not issue an immediate ruling. We are now awaiting (30-90 days) the court’s decision on whether the case will be dismissed or allowed to proceed. If the judge allows the case to continue, it will move into the Discovery phase. This is the stage at which TikTok could be legally required to disclose internal documents and our children’s online activity data, if that data has not already been deleted. This decision is pending. Whatever the outcome, we remain committed to pursuing truth, transparency, and accountability. 27 January 2026 - In the House of Lords, Baroness Berger raised the issue of litigation brought by bereaved British parents against TikTok following the deaths of their children. She asked what assessment the Government had made of the implications of this legal action. Responding for the Government, Baroness Lloyd of Effra acknowledged the case and expressed sympathy for the families. She stated that powers under the Online Safety Act have been commenced to require information from platforms about a child’s online activity following their death, and that a data preservation process has been established to prevent the loss of relevant information. Baroness Berger followed up by highlighting that parents, including Ellen Roome, have spent years trying to access their children’s social media data, only to find that crucial digital evidence is often not requested in the early period and is routinely deleted or lost. She urged the Government to introduce automatic digital data preservation in every child death so that these tragedies can be fully and properly investigated. Why This Hearing Matters The Motion to Dismiss is a critical gateway in the legal process. If the case proceeds, TikTok may be compelled to hand over evidence about the content our children were shown and how its algorithm promoted or amplified it. If the case is dismissed, we will carefully consider our legal options and continue to fight for answers through every available route. This case is not just about our families. It raises serious questions about platform design, algorithmic amplification, and the duty of care owed by global technology companies to children. Our Commitment We continue this fight in loving memory of Jools, Archie, Isaac, Maia, and Noah, and for every child whose life has been affected by harmful online content. This is about truth. This is about accountability. And this is about protecting children. Following the Case You can track the legal progress via Delaware’s CourtConnect system: 🔗 View the Civil Docket Report for Case N25C-02-073 This unofficial docket provides a real-time overview of court filings, motions, hearing dates, and rulings.

Joolslaw - Give parents the right to view their deceased children's social media data. Ellen Roome is fighting for transparency and safety in the digital space so no other family has to endure the pain she has suffered. Media Coverage Play Video Play Video 06:59 BBC Breakfast 2nd March 2026 An interview with Ross Moss, who lost her daughter Sophie 12 years ago, Hollie Dance, whose son Archie had his accident just six days before Jools, and Ellen Roome, whose son Jools died on 13 April 2022. More than a decade later, we are still having the same conversations about protecting children and accessing their social media data. Why are we still talking about it when children are being harmed and are dying? Only last weekend, Ellen was contacted by the mother of another boy, aged just 15, who had taken his own life. This has to stop! Play Video Play Video 40:58 Kemi Badenoch calls for social media ban Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott holding news conference. The pair will discuss student loans and social media policy. #conservative #education #socialmedia #live SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel for more videos: http://www.youtube.com/skynews Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/skynews Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skynews Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skynews Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skynews For more content go to http://news.sky.com and download our apps: Apple https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/sky-news/id316391924?mt=8 Android https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bskyb.skynews.android&hl=en_GB Sky News Daily podcast is available for free here: https://podfollow.com/skynewsdaily/ To enquire about licensing Sky News content, you can find more information here: https://news.sky.com/info/library-sales Play Video Play Video 09:59 Jools’ Law - I did it!! Ellen Roome appears on BBC Breakfast to discuss the latest progress on Jools’ Law. Following confirmation from Liz Kendall, Secretary of State at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, the Government has committed to introducing a Jools’ Law amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill. The amendment will require social media companies to automatically preserve a child’s social media data within five days of their death, removing barriers for bereaved families seeking answers. This is a vital step forward for transparency and accountability online, ensuring that no grieving parent has to fight simply to access the information that may explain what happened to their child. Play Video Play Video 03:50 GB news 16th Feb 2026 Ellen Roome discusses changes to the law following a phone call with Liz Kendall, Secretary of State, confirming the Government’s commitment to incorporate Jools’ Law into legislation. Play Video Play Video 09:38 Good morning Britain - I did it! Ellen Roome appears on GMB to discuss the latest progress on Jools’ Law. Following confirmation from Liz Kendall, Secretary of State at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, the Government has committed to introducing a Jools’ Law amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill. The amendment will require social media companies to automatically preserve a child’s social media data within five days of their death, removing barriers for bereaved families seeking answers. This is a vital step forward for transparency and accountability online, ensuring that no grieving parent has to fight simply to access the information that may explain what happened to their child. Play Video Play Video 03:19 BBC Points West 16th Feb 2026 Ellen Roome discusses the latest progress on Jools’ Law. Following confirmation from Liz Kendall, Secretary of State at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, the Government has committed to introducing a Jools’ Law amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill. The amendment will require social media companies to automatically preserve a child’s social media data within five days of their death, removing barriers for bereaved families seeking answers. This is a vital step forward for transparency and accountability online, ensuring that no grieving parent has to fight simply to access the information that may explain what happened to their child. Play Video Play Video 02:23 ITV West Country News Ellen Roome talking to ITV West Country 16th Feb 2026 regarding Government decision to include automatic data preservation when a child dies in the Crime and Policing bill. Play Video Play Video 00:39 Lost Screen Memorial in LA 13th Feb 2026 I had the honour of speaking at the Lost Screen Memorial, part of the #NoChildLostToSocialMedia campaign launched by Archewell Foundation, founded by Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, to protect children from online harms such as bullying, sexual exploitation and dangerous viral challenges. The memorial stood in Gloria Molina Grand Park, directly across from Los Angeles City Hall and just one block from the courthouse where the landmark social media addiction trials have begun. Fifty illuminated smartphones stood in the park. Fifty children. Fifty lives cut short. Jools is one of them. To see his face shining from one of those screens, in the shadow of the courtroom where families are demanding accountability, was overwhelming. The memorial was spearheaded by Archewell Foundation and supported by ParentsTogether Action and Heat Initiative. It is about humanising what has too often been reduced to statistics. I spoke alongside extraordinary voices including • @jonathanhaidt , author of The Anxious Generation • Sarah Gardner, CEO of Heat Initiative • James Holt from Archewell Foundation • Shelby Knox, Director of Tech Accountability Campaigns at ParentsTogether Action • Lennon Torres, youth LGBTQ+ advocate and Campaigns and Programs Manager at Heat Initiative And most importantly, brave parents who have turned unimaginable grief into action. More than 2,000 plaintiffs are now taking on companies including Meta, Snap Inc., TikTok and Alphabet Inc.. This litigation is already being compared to the cases that changed the course of Big Tobacco. As I said yesterday: since Jools died, social media companies have refused to provide Jools’ full online data about what happened to my son. But here in Los Angeles, his light is shining. And it is shining on a movement that will not stop until there is accountability and change. These are not numbers. They are children. And this does not have to be this way. Play Video Play Video 08:20 Good Morning Britain 13th Feb 2026 Live on Good Morning Britain this morning in the UK Talking about the lawsuit in Los Angeles and why this fight matters so much. I also discussed meeting Harry, the Duke of Sussex, and how I am determined to change the law so no other family is left without answers when a child dies. My words "I'm going to do this, I am going to change the law"! Play Video Play Video 02:50 Parents and advocates protest social media practices outside Snap offices in Santa Monica Parents share their stories of loss outside Snapchat offices in Santa Monica, as they paint the names of children who have died from what they say are harmful social media practices. For video licensing inquiries, contact: licensing@veritone.com Play Video Play Video 01:00 Memorial outside Snapchat headquarters Grieving families gathered outside of social media app Snapchat's headquarters in Los Angeles to protest and remember the lives of their lost children. Play Video Play Video 07:47 BBC Breakfast interview 12th Feb 2026 Ellen spoke about why she is in Los Angeles, standing alongside other bereaved parents as the landmark case against social media companies unfolds. We cannot ignore what is happening in that courtroom. The BBC also shared a clip from our meeting with Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, who took time to listen to families like mine and understand the urgent need for change. And today, Adam Mosseri, Instagram's CEO, was in the LA court. These companies are finally being asked difficult questions about how their platforms impact children. This is about truth, transparency, and protecting the next generation. Play Video Play Video 06:03 10th Feb 2026 Sky News Live from Santa Monica, we spoke with Sky News as a landmark trial begins in California against major social media companies. The case has been brought by American families who have lost their children. Families who were never warned about online harms, never protected by the platforms their children used, and never given full access to the truth after their deaths. We are here to stand in solidarity with bereaved parents and to make clear that this is not just a US issue or a UK issue. It is a global crisis. The same social media platforms, algorithms, and design choices are affecting children all over the world. This trial matters far beyond the courtroom. It is about accountability, transparency, and whether social media companies can continue to avoid responsibility for the harm caused to children. Parents across the world are watching. And we will not stop asking difficult questions. Thank you to Sky News for giving families a voice and helping shine a light on why this moment matters. #OnlineSafety #ProtectChildren #SocialMediaAccountability #BereavedFamilies #GlobalIssue #StandingTogether #joolslaw Play Video Play Video 47:01 Jools' Law Full debate in the House of Lords 27th Jan 2026 In the House of Lords, the formidable Baroness Beeban Kidron debated what I have come to call Jools’ Law. It was an incredibly powerful and emotional debate, made even more so by the strong, compassionate and supportive contributions from peers across all parties. In particular, the passionate and deeply thoughtful support from Baroness Barran, Lord Clement-Jones, Baroness Benjamin and Baroness Shawcross-Wolfson meant more than I can say. Up in the gallery, bereaved parents (Hollie Dance, Lisa Kenevan & Mariano Janin and I) sat watching in tears, for the first time feeling real hope that this amendment might actually go through. One moment that will stay with me forever was when Baroness Kidron said: “The Government awarded Ellen Roome an MBE recently. I believe, although I have not asked her, that a more fitting recognition would be to give her what she has long fought for, Jools’ Law, by accepting these amendments so that data collection is automatic. They are practical, they are necessary, and they are long overdue.” Baroness Benjamin spoke with enormous compassion and urgency, saying: “After hearing on BBC News this morning some of the heartbreaking stories from bereaved parents who are campaigning on this issue and urging the Government to take more robust action, I was convinced that tragic cases such as these clearly highlight the need for social media companies to be compelled to protect our children and safeguard them from harm......I hope the Government are listening and is Ofcom listening? I want them to listen to these bereaved parents and take further action. I urge the Government to accept these much-needed amendments and act now.” Baroness Diana Barran also paid tribute, saying: “I pay particular tribute to Ellen Roome, mother of Jools, who died inexplicably aged 14. Ellen Roome has found herself at the front of a national call for change in relation to children’s access to social media in general and to these specific issues, which have impacted her family and other families so cruelly. My noble friend Lady Morgan of Cotes, who cannot be with us today, told me how moved she was when we met Ellen recently. I can only agree.” The Minister, Baroness Levitt, does not currently support approving the amendment, citing concerns about administrative burden in cases such as road traffic accidents or illness. However, she has agreed to meet with Beeban, me, and other bereaved parents to discuss this further. Beeban was clear that by the voting stage, likely around April 2026, there is a real opportunity to persuade the House of Lords to pass this amendment and that she wasn't taking no for an answer!! Play Video Play Video 05:29 Sky News 27th Jan 2026 Sky News regarding upcoming Jools Law Debate in the House of Lords Play Video Play Video 11:01 TikTok: Bereaved British Parents In the House of Lords, Baroness Berger raised the issue of litigation brought by bereaved British parents against TikTok following the deaths of their children. She asked what assessment the Government had made of the implications of this legal action. Responding for the Government, Baroness Lloyd of Effra acknowledged the case and expressed sympathy for the families. She stated that powers under the Online Safety Act have been commenced to require information from platforms about a child’s online activity following their death, and that a data preservation process has been established to prevent the loss of relevant information. Baroness Berger followed up by highlighting that parents, including Ellen Roome, have spent years trying to access their children’s social media data, only to find that crucial digital evidence is often not requested in the early period and is routinely deleted or lost. She urged the Government to introduce automatic digital data preservation in every child death so that these tragedies can be fully and properly investigated. Play Video Play Video 05:10 BBC Breakfast 27th Jan 2026 BBC follow Ellen Roome and other bereaved parents, to hand delivered a letter to Downing Street calling for stronger enforcement of the Online Safety Act. The letter raises serious concerns about whether Ofcom is actually able to enforce the law, collect fines from tech companies, respond to emerging harms such as AI, and be transparent and accountable when children are being harmed online. Laws only protect children if they are properly enforced. We should not have to fight this hard just to make the system work and protect children. We keep going. For your children, because it’s too late for ours. 🕊️ hashtag#socialmedia hashtag#joolslaw hashtag#OnlineSafety Play Video Play Video 08:22 Ellen Roome & Esther on Laura Kuenssberg Show with Jonathan Haidt 24th Jan 2026 Ellen Roome & Esther Ghey on Laura Kuenssberg Show with Jonathan Haidt Jonathan Haidt, one of the world’s leading experts on social media and children’s mental health, says it plainly: “this is bonkers”. We need to change the age limit for social media. It should be 16. We cannot keep ignoring the evidence while children are being harmed. It’s time for action, not excuses. Play Video Play Video 06:46 Sky News 20th Jan 2026 Ellen Roome appeared on Sky News ahead of the House of Lords debate on Lord Nash’s amendment to raise the minimum age for social media to 16. This is not about preventing children from using the internet, learning, or accessing positive and supportive resources. It is about recognising that today’s social media platforms are not designed with children’s wellbeing at their core, but to maximise engagement, often at significant cost. Until platforms are genuinely safe, there is a clear responsibility to protect children. Play Video Play Video 04:37 GB News 19th Jan 2026 Ellen talks to viewers about TikTok and banning social media Play Video Play Video 05:45 BBC breakfast 19th Jan 2026 This is my interview with the BBC Breakfast team today. One of the most crucial things to come out of this discussion is the misunderstanding around raising the age of social media to 16. This does not mean stopping children from accessing the internet or valuable, supportive sites like the NSPCC.  What we are saying is simple: increase the age of social media so children are not being subjected to harmful content on platforms that are built to addict them, damaging their mental health, eyesight and physical posture through addictive and dangerous social media apps. #BBCBreakfast #OnlineSafety #RaiseTheAge #joolslaw Play Video Play Video 12:16 British parents taking legal fight to TikTok after deaths of their children Five families who are suing TikTok in America over the deaths of their children have begun an agonising wait to see if their case will be taken to trial following a hearing in Delaware on Friday. The parents of 14-year-old Jools Sweeney, 13-year-old Isaac Kenevan, 11-year-old Noah Gibson, 12-year-old Archie Battersbee and 13-year-old Maia Walsh believe their children died whilst trying an online challenge that was the result of addictive programming aimed at driving engagement to the social media site. A spokesperson for TikTok told ITV News: 'Our deepest sympathies remain with these families. We strictly prohibit content that promotes or encourages dangerous behaviour.' 'Using robust detection systems and dedicated enforcement teams to proactively identify and remove this content, we remove 99% that's found to break these rules before it is reported to us.' Hosts Susanna Reid and Ed Balls are joined by Jools' mum Ellen, Isaac's mum Lisa, Noah's mum Louise and Archie's mum Hollie. Broadcast on 19/01/2026. Stream Good Morning Britain live, every weekday from 6am on the ITVX 📲 http://daytimelink.itv.com/WatchGMBYT Subscribe now for more! http://bit.ly/1NbomQa Like, follow and subscribe to Good Morning Britain! The Good Morning Britain YouTube channel delivers you the news that you’re waking up to in the morning. From exclusive interviews with some of the biggest names in politics and showbiz to heartwarming human interest stories and unmissable watch again moments. Join Susanna Reid, Ed Balls, Kate Garraway, Richard Madeley, Charlotte Hawkins and Sean Fletcher every weekday on ITV from 6am until 9 every weekday! ITVX: http://daytimelink.itv.com/WatchGMBYT Website: http://bit.ly/1GsZuha YouTube: http://bit.ly/1Ecy0g1 Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1HEDRMb Twitter: http://bit.ly/1xdLqU3 http://www.itv.com #tiktok #uk #usa Play Video Play Video 02:45 Bereaved parents hope for TikTok 'accountability' | BBC News A mother who is one of a group of British parents suing TikTok after the deaths of their children said she wants "accountability" from the social media firm. Ellen Roome is in the US for the first day of the hearing, filed by the Social Media Victims Law Centre. "It's about time we held them to account and said 'what are you showing our children?'" she said. The lawsuit claims her son Julian "Jools" Sweeney, Isaac Kenevan, Archie Battersbee, Noah Gibson, and Maia Walsh all died while attempting a "blackout challenge". A TikTok spokesperson said: "We strictly prohibit content that promotes or encourages dangerous behaviour." Subscribe here: http://bit.ly/1rbfUog For more news, analysis and features visit: www.bbc.com/news #TikTok #BBCNews Play Video Play Video 04:01 British families sue TikTok in US British families sue TikTok in US Underscoring the tensions, a US state judge in Delaware on Jan. 16, 2026 hears TikTok's bid to dismiss a lawsuit filed last year by the parents of five British children who died while allegedly performing prank and challenge videos. The lawsuit alleged that TikTok's algorithms promoted dangerous content to children, including a so-called 'blackout challenge' that encouraged people to choke themselves. 'ByteDance harmed these children after its leadership knew that its programming decisions were resulting in the accidental deaths of children,' the lawsuit filed in the Delaware Superior Court said. Some of the children were below 13 years old. TikTok in 2022 secured the dismissal of a separate lawsuit accusing it of causing the death of a 10-year-old girl. STRINGR.COM / ABC AFFILIATE WPVI VIA REUTERS Subscribe to The Manila Times Channel - https://tmt.ph/YTSubscribe Visit our website at [https://www.manilatimes.net](https://www.manilatimes.net/) Follow us: Facebook - https://tmt.ph/facebook Instagram - https://tmt.ph/instagram Twitter - https://tmt.ph/twitter DailyMotion - https://tmt.ph/dailymotion Subscribe to our Digital Edition - https://tmt.ph/digital Check out our Podcasts: Spotify - https://tmt.ph/spotify Apple Podcasts - https://tmt.ph/applepodcasts Amazon Music - https://tmt.ph/amazonmusic Deezer: https://tmt.ph/deezer Stitcher: https://tmt.ph/stitcher Tune In: https://tmt.ph/tunein #TheManilaTimes #WorldNews Play Video Play Video 03:55 Parents of UK Children Killed in TikTok Challenges Face Company in US Court Delaware Superior Court Jan 16, 2026 heard TikTok/ByteDance motion to dismiss lawsuit from 5 British families (Ellen Roome, Lisa Kenevan, Liam Walsh et al) claiming algorithms promoted deadly "blackout challenge" killing their kids under 13. Parents seek children's data (discovery phase if motion fails); TikTok cites 1st Amendment/CDA immunity, claims UK jurisdiction. Case could force data release if survives dismissal. #TikTokBlackoutChallenge #ChildDeathsTikTok #AlgorithmMurder #BereavedParents #SocialMediaKills #ByteDanceLawsuit #DelawareHearing #KidsNotContent #PlatformLiability #JoolsLaw --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dawn News English is your window into the latest news, insight, and features from South Asia and beyond. Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dawndotcom/ Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/dawn_com Website: www.dawn.com Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawnnewsenglish #news #latestnews #dawnnewsenglish #dawnnews Play Video Play Video 04:04 Five British families take TikTok to court in the US over the deaths of their children | 5 News ► Five British families are taking TikTok to court in the US, over the deaths of their children: Jools Sweeney, Maia Walsh, Isaac Kenevan, Archie Battersbee and Noah Gibson. Their parents say they all died after watching harmful content on the app. ► Have you subscribed to 5 News?: http://bit.ly/5NewsSub ► Follow 5 News on Twitter to keep up to date with the latest news - https://twitter.com/5_News Message us on Facebook to share your opinion - https://www.facebook.com/c5News See our latest pictures and videos on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/c5news/ ► About 5 News: We bring you the stories that matter to you, from around the world and across the UK. 🎥 We post daily playlists with the biggest news of the day, interviews, special reports and investigations. 📺 Catch us on TV on Channel 5 every weekday 5-6pm 📱 Get in touch with us on WhatsApp at +44 7555 500 501 🎧 Listen to "How Did We Get Here? Explaining The News" wherever you get your podcasts: https://podfollow.com/how-did-we-get-here-explaining-the-news Our flagship, hour-long programme at 5pm is watched on Channel 5 by up to a million viewers, with regular news updates throughout the day. ITN changed the TV news landscape when it launched 5 News in 1997, producing Five News for nine years before winning the contract to supply news to Channel 5 again from 2012. Play Video Play Video 02:39 6 families sue TikTok over deaths of their children after apparent 'choking challenge' Six families are suing TikTok , claiming the company's algorithm has a defect, is addictive, and targets minors with disturbing and troubling content. On Friday, a judge in Delaware heard a motion to dismiss the civil case on behalf of five British families and a Delaware family. The case centers on those six families whose children aged 11 to 17 allegedly took part in a choking challenge after seeing videos on the popular app. All died in recent years. #lawsuit #fyp #news https://6abc.com/post/families-sue-tiktok-deaths-children-apparent-choking-challenge/18417280/ Play Video Play Video 02:54 BBC breakfast interview 15th Jan 2026 BBC breakfast interview before court case against Tiktok in Delaware US Play Video Play Video 02:45 Bereaved parents hope for TikTok 'accountability' | BBC News A mother who is one of a group of British parents suing TikTok after the deaths of their children said she wants "accountability" from the social media firm. Ellen Roome is in the US for the first day of the hearing, filed by the Social Media Victims Law Centre. "It's about time we held them to account and said 'what are you showing our children?'" she said. The lawsuit claims her son Julian "Jools" Sweeney, Isaac Kenevan, Archie Battersbee, Noah Gibson, and Maia Walsh all died while attempting a "blackout challenge". A TikTok spokesperson said: "We strictly prohibit content that promotes or encourages dangerous behaviour." Subscribe here: http://bit.ly/1rbfUog For more news, analysis and features visit: www.bbc.com/news #TikTok #BBCNews Play Video Play Video 02:53 UK families suing TikTok in the US over the deaths of their children | Good Morning Britain Five British families are suing one of the biggest social media companies in the world TikTok, and its parent company ByteDance, for the alleged wrongful deaths of their children. Ellen Roome found her 14-year-old son, Jools, unconscious in his bedroom almost four years ago. An inquest found he took his own life - Ellen has always believed it was a popular online challenge that went wrong, but she could not get social media giant TikTok to give her access to Jools' accounts. After some back and forth, the company said it was a privacy issue. Ellen has always believed Jools' social media accounts could provide her with the answers. She is not alone in her quest - since Jools died in April 2022 she has been joined by parents in a similar situation. Their joint lawsuit claims that Isaac Kenevan, 13, Archie Battersbee, 12, Julian "Jools" Sweeney, 14, Maia Walsh, 13, and Noah Gibson, 11, were harmed by algorithms which amplified harmful content to their pages. Isaac's mum Lisa Kenevan, Maia's dad Liam Walsh along with Ellen are now all heading for the States. Broadcast on 15/01/2026 Stream Good Morning Britain live, every weekday from 6am on the ITVX 📲 http://daytimelink.itv.com/WatchGMBYT Subscribe now for more! http://bit.ly/1NbomQa Like, follow and subscribe to Good Morning Britain! The Good Morning Britain YouTube channel delivers you the news that you’re waking up to in the morning. From exclusive interviews with some of the biggest names in politics and showbiz to heartwarming human interest stories and unmissable watch again moments. Join Susanna Reid, Ed Balls, Kate Garraway, Richard Madeley, Charlotte Hawkins and Sean Fletcher every weekday on ITV from 6am until 9 every weekday! ITVX: http://daytimelink.itv.com/WatchGMBYT Website: http://bit.ly/1GsZuha YouTube: http://bit.ly/1Ecy0g1 Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1HEDRMb Twitter: http://bit.ly/1xdLqU3 http://www.itv.com #GMB Play Video Play Video 06:21 The bereaved parents taking TikTok to court Technology reporter Mickey Carroll has spoken to a group of parents, who say their legal action is about holding social media companies accountable, and making sure children are safe. They believe Isaac Kenevan, Archie Battersbee, Jools Sweeney, Maia Walsh and Noah Gibson, died after attempting dangerous challenges they'd seen online. If you've been affected by this story and want to talk to someone, you can call the Samaritans free on 116 123 or at jo@samaritans.org SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel for more videos: http://www.youtube.com/skynews Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/skynews Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skynews Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skynews Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skynews For more content go to http://news.sky.com and download our apps: Apple https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/sky-news/id316391924?mt=8 Android https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bskyb.skynews.android&hl=en_GB Sky News Daily podcast is available for free here: https://podfollow.com/skynewsdaily/ To enquire about licensing Sky News content, you can find more information here: https://news.sky.com/info/library-sales #tiktok #onlinesafety #parents Play Video Play Video 04:50 ITV West County news before the Tiktok court hearing Jan 2026 Disscusion on upcoming trip to court hearing against Tiktok Play Video Play Video 06:44 BBC Points West 12th Jan 2026 - BREAKING NEWS RE JOOLS' INVESTIGATION BREAKING NEWS RE JOOLS' INVESTIGATION Today I pre-recorded an interview with BBC News Points West. During that process, I was informed by the BBC that the police do, in fact, hold the original forensic image taken in April 2022, at the time my son Jools died. This original forensic image was never examined by police. I am also extremely concerned that I learned this information from the BBC rather than from Gloucestershire Constabulary, despite having explicitly asked this question in previous meetings and awaiting their response. Families should not have to discover fundamental facts about their child’s case through journalists. I also want to acknowledge Mick Randall, who was interviewed live for this piece. Mick is from Fedora Investigations and has been invaluable in getting us to this stage. His experience, persistence, and forensic rigour have brought scrutiny and challenge where it was long overdue. Without his professionalism and determination, we would not be here. Thank you, Mick. I sincerely hope this original forensic image now provides answers, clarity, and truth about what happened during the critical period before Jools died. This once again underlines why automatic preservation of children's online data - Jools'Law is essential! This must be standard practice from the outset. I will keep going until we have answers. Play Video Play Video 01:09 ITV News West - 30th Dec 2025 Ellen Roome has been awarded an MBE as a Campaigner, for services to Children’s Online Safety, in the King’s 2026 New Year Honours List. Play Video Play Video 00:31 BBC Points West 30th Dec 2025 Ellen Roome has been awarded an MBE as a Campaigner, for services to Children’s Online Safety, in the King’s 2026 New Year Honours List. Play Video Play Video 05:01 BBC Breakfast 30th Dec 2025 Ellen Roome is awarded MBE as a Campaigner, for services to Children’s Online Safety, in the King’s 2026 New Year Honours List Play Video Play Video 06:15 BBC Breakfast News 1st Dec 2025 Ellen Roome shared three important updates. 1) Gloucestershire Police have now escalated the review into the circumstances of Jools’ death following the independent report that highlighted serious golden-hour failings. 2) In Parliament, a tabled amendment in the House of Lords could finally change the Crime and Policing Bill so that children’s online data is automatically preserved after their death, preventing other families from facing the same barriers Ellen has. 3) Featuristic Films has begun work on a scripted TV drama based on Ellen's journey, shining a much wider light on the fight for truth, accountability and Jools’ Law. Play Video Play Video 02:17 BBC Morning Live 14th Nov 2025 BBC Morning Live aired today, highlighting an issue no parent should ever have to fight for, access to their child’s digital data after death. Right now in the UK, when a child dies, there is no automatic data preservation notice. This means their online information — messages, searches, interactions, location data — can be deleted, altered or lost within hours. In Jools’ case, vital evidence from his final hours simply wasn’t preserved. His devices weren’t secured. His accounts weren’t frozen. The golden hour was missed. No parent should have to spend years battling for something that should happen instantly. Jools’ Law would fix this. It would require police and platforms to immediately preserve a child’s digital data so that the coroner can access it. This isn’t about blame. It’s about truth, safeguarding and ensuring no parent is left in the dark. Jools’ Law won’t help Jools now — but it will help other families get the answers they deserve. Play Video Play Video 11:37 15th Oct 2025 - Ellen Roome on Good Morning Britain discussing Instagram’s new teen account features I also mentioned the report now sitting in my inbox from Mick Randall at Fedora Investigations, with the latest findings from my private investigation into my son’s death.It’s taken a lot of strength to reach this point. I’ll find the courage to read these new developments this afternoon and then, with my team, decide how to move forward — for Jools, and for every child who deserves better protection online. #joolslaw #digitalaccountability #onlinesafety I Play Video Play Video 06:03 What Instagram’s New “PG-13 Teen” Update Really Means for Parents - Sky News interview 14th Oct 2025 Instagram says teen accounts will now be guided by PG13 movie ratings. At first, that sounds positive, and anything that helps stop children from seeing harmful content is welcome. But the reality is we will have to wait and see what really happens. Is this a genuine change or just a PR stunt? Have they finally listened to parents and put extra protections in place for children? I am concerned about how easily teens can still create multiple accounts, one linked to their parents and others with fake ages. Without proper verification or stronger safeguards, harmful content will continue to slip through. Real safety means transparency, independent oversight, and genuine accountability, not marketing language. It would be wonderful to see a duty of candour and an overarching duty of care embedded into how these companies operate. Let’s hope this isn’t a PR stunt and that Meta is genuinely trying to do better. If so, this might be a small but meaningful step towards reducing the harms children face online. #JoolsLaw #OnlineSafety #ChildProtection #SocialMediaReform #DigitalAccountability Play Video Play Video 05:48 30th Sept 2025 with BBC breakfast. In principle, Data Preservation Notices (DPNs) sound helpful. In practice, they don’t work. These notices finally came into effect today Tuesday 30th September under the Online Safety Act. However when a child dies, an inquest is opened but then usually suspended pending the police investigation. At that point, the coroner loses control and the investigation passes back to the police. Unless the child’s online data is preserved immediately, crucial evidence can be lost. I know of several other parents in exactly this position: coroners have told them they cannot use the law under the Online Safety Act because the case has passed back to the police. This is crazy and it MUST change. That’s why I am fighting for #JoolsLaw: when a child dies, their online data should be preserved automatically. Only then will it be available for a proper investigation into their death. This isn’t about my son Jools, it’s too late for him/us. It’s about every family who deserves answers. (I also want to stress I was being sarcastic when I said the app LMK is safe, and I want to apologise for getting Kibi's name incorrect, I said Bibi). Play Video Play Video 45:07 LBC Online Safety Day 2- 8th Sept 2025 Interview with Lady Sophie Winkleman, Katharine Birbalsingh (founder and headmistress of the Michaela Community School in London), and Ellen Roome discussing online safety. Play Video Play Video 06:01 ITV West Country News 4th Aug 2025 Ellen Roome has been tirelessly fighting for legislative change since her 14-year-old son, Jools Sweeney, died by suicide in April 2022. Now, Ellen has joined forces with two other bereaved mothers who share her devastating experience of losing a child whilst being denied access to crucial phone data. Together, Ellen Roome, Hollie Dance, and Lisa Keneven have launched a groundbreaking, free online safety resource designed to educate children about the serious risks posed by dangerous internet challenges. United by unimaginable tragedy, the three mothers are demanding that both the government and social media platforms take far greater responsibility for protecting young people from harmful and inappropriate content that continues to circulate unchecked. Play Video Play Video 09:16 BBC breakfast interview with Melanie Dawes Ofcom CEO I think it’s good that porn sites will be age verified, but I had hoped they would be age verification changes for children on #socialmedia. We now have to wait for September for this. It’s so slow. Children are still being harmed and dying. I didn’t get long enough to ask Melanie the questions I really wanted to ask, such as why WhatsApp is not regulated and when/if ever, they will be. Children are being groomed on this unregulated platform! It's not good enough. We need changes NOW. Such a shame we have to wait until September for age checks on social media #joolslaw Play Video Play Video 01:03:36 Online harms and broken safeguards: voices from bereaved families In this powerful episode of Legal4Tech – The Podcast, recorded as part of the #Under24Hours project, we open a necessary and deeply human conversation on the real-world consequences of online harms. Joined by a group of courageous parents who lost their children due to content and dynamics on digital platforms, we reflect on the flaws in current safety frameworks, the silence of Big Tech, and the urgent need for stronger regulation. 💡 Explore topics like: - The barriers families face in accessing platform data - The failures of the Online Safety Act and GDPR interpretation - Platform design, algorithmic harm, and accountability - What real online safety would look like for future generations - Grassroots advocacy, collective strength, and resilience 🎧 Tune in now to hear the voices behind the movement to make tech safer — for everyone! 📌 Recorded during a special group interview hosted by the Legal4Tech team! 🔊 Part of the ongoing #Under24Hours series! Play Video Play Video 10:22 How To Protect Your Kids Online in 2025 Worried about your child’s online safety in 2025? In this video, we share essential tips for parents on how to protect your kids online from preventing exposure to harmful content to understanding the latest digital threats. Stay informed with up-to-date trends in online safety, and learn practical, expert-backed steps you can take today to keep your child safe on the internet. Watch till the end for actionable advice every parent should know. What would you do if you saw something online that didn’t feel right? Ellen’s here to help us figure it out. Join Gabi and Marnie as they explore internet safety tips and how schools can support young people. This engaging and educational interview focuses on the importance of Internet Safety for children, featuring Ellen Room, a contributor to the Click or Quit resource. Hosted by Gabby and Mani as part of the Lessons for Life campaign, the conversation explores the risks children face online such as harmful content, online challenges, and sharing personal information and offers practical advice on how to respond. Ellen emphasises the need for children to talk to trusted adults when they encounter something unsettling and highlights the value of learning through repetition to reinforce safe online habits. The discussion also touches on the evolving role of PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic education) in schools, comparing past and present approaches to teaching life skills. Ellen and the hosts stress the importance of educating not just students, but also parents and carers, about digital risks and how to protect children at home. A quiz segment adds an interactive and relatable touch, reinforcing key lessons through real-life scenarios. 00:00 Introduction to Online Safety 00:18 Introduction to the Interview 00:34 About the Click or Quit Assembly 01:04 What to Do When Encountering Harmful Content 01:31 Can There Be Too Many Safety Lessons? 02:01 Ellen’s Online Safety Campaign 02:50 Lessons for Life Campaign 03:31 Ellen’s Childhood PSHE Experience 04:06 Evolution of Life Skills Education 04:30 Interactive Q&A with Ellen on online safety 04:48 Question 1: Keeping Personal Info Private Online 06:00 Question 2: If You See Something Scary Online 06:42 Question 3: Saying No to Online Challenges 08:00 If You Could Change One Thing in Education 08:53 Supporting Parents and Carers 09:17 Life Lessons Ellen Wishes She Learned 09:53 Final Messages This show is powered by 1decision - https://www.1decision.co.uk/ Find out more about the Lessons4Life campaign - https://www.lessons4life.org/ Sign our petition - https://www.change.org/p/lessons4life-fixing-broken-britain Follow us - https://www.instagram.com/lessons4lifeuk_?igsh=NHhvMzA3MXNpdXVh #onlinesafety #podcast #joolslaw Play Video Play Video 05:11 BBC Breakfast 16th May 2025 My interview with BBC following my meeting with Ministers in Parliament Play Video Play Video 05:25 BBC Breaskfast 16th May 2025 The BBC were allowed to film part of my meeting with Ministers in Parliament to discuss The Data Bill Play Video Play Video 04:15 BBC Breakfast 8th May 2025 Interview following my meeting with Rt Hon Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology. Play Video Play Video 45:31 Online Safety talk by Ellen Roome at The Annual Parish Meeting 2025 We are pleased to share the filmed talk by Ellen Roome, recorded at our Annual Parish Meeting on 30 April at Balcarras School, is now available to view online. In this moving and courageous presentation, Ellen shares the heartbreaking story of losing her 14-year-old son, Jools, to the hidden dangers of social media. She speaks about her fight to access his online data and her campaign to hold tech companies accountable for the harmful content reaching our children. Ellen also offers practical tips and essential advice for parents and carers on how to help keep children safe in the digital world. This is a must-watch for any parent, carer, or adult concerned about online safety. 👉 You can also download our joint CKPC & Ellen Roome digital safety leaflet, full of helpful guidance and recommended resources, on our website: https://www.charltonkingsparishcouncil.gov.uk/online-safety Thank you again to Ellen, and to everyone who joined us for such an important evening. Load More

Applying to the High Court for a new inquest for Jools to try to use the new Date Use and Access Bill for answers. Police Investigation and Request for a New Inquest “I will keep going until I find the truth about what happened to my son and make sure no other parent has to fight this hard for answers.”— Ellen Roome, Jools’ Mum March 2026 February 2026 25 February - I formally submitted a complaint to the IOPC regarding the original investigation into Jools’ death by Gloucestershire Constabulary . This is not something any parent should have to do. In our complaint, I have raised serious concerns about the failure to robustly and comprehensively investigate the circumstances surrounding Jools’ death, including failures during the golden hour to properly secure key digital evidence. I have set out concerns that: • The investigation was not conducted to the standards set out by the College of Policing and Gloucestershire Constabulary’s own policies for dealing with a Sudden and Unexpected Death in Childhood investigation. • Reasonable lines of enquiry were not properly identified or followed through. • Key investigative hypotheses were not considered or explored. • Digital devices were not secured and examined with the urgency and expertise required. • Decision-making was not properly recorded. • The approach by one particular officer at the scene lacked investigative rigour and basic humanity. At the time, I was a mother in shock who had just found my 14 year old son. I trusted that everything that should have been done would have been done. I now know that critical opportunities were missed. The way our son’s life was tragically cut short deserves a thorough investigation, and I will continue to push until families like ours can have confidence that no stone is left unturned. 17 February - Letter received from the police saying yesterday's phone call was a welfare check - If this were a welfare call, it raises serious questions as to why such a sensitive and potentially alarming line of enquiry would be introduced in that moment. The letter goes on to explain that although a significant amount of digital material has already been examined, the police intend to conduct further keyword searches as part of their ongoing review. They have invited us, as Jools’ parents, to suggest our own keywords, usernames or phrases to be included in those searches. This has been presented as a collaborative step, intended to provide reassurance and ensure nothing is overlooked. Being asked, as parents, to sit down almost four years later and consider what words might be associated with the circumstances surrounding our son’s death is not a simple administrative task. It is a deeply difficult exercise. Matt shared his thoughts on what we have been asked to do: "This exercise was profoundly distressing, emotionally exhausting, and deeply upsetting. In the absence of any Police review of the data taken from Jools’ devices in 2022, or history his activity on social media platforms in the period leading up to 13th April 2022, I was placed in what I felt was an unacceptable position of having to independently consider all potential circumstances that could lead a young teenager to take their own life. This was not limited to Jools alone, as the absence of evidential analysis means we do not yet know the full context or history of his personal online activity. This process began with, once again, considering the devastating possibility that he may have intentionally ended his life - requiring me to confront issues such as him suffering with depression and mental health issues. It then extended into even more distressing territory: having to imagine and mentally process scenarios in which Jools may have been in contact with strangers who subjected him to coercion, pressure, compulsion, abuse, exploitation, sexual exploitation, gang or county lines involvement, betrayal by a friend or someone known to him, bribery, or financial leverage etc. So, having spent most of an afternoon forcing myself to contemplate these potential horrors in Jools’ life, I was left at the end of the day with a stream of distressing and intrusive thoughts. Surely this cannot reasonably be described as a trauma-informed approach by the Police when liaising with the family? (of a child who died almost four years ago). How do the Police now intend to acknowledge and address the additional trauma that this process has created? I have no doubt that Ellen is experiencing the same, or similar, emotional and psychological impact" 16 February – Ellen received a call from Gloucestershire Police while she was standing alone on a train on her way home from the BBC, following progress on Jools’ Law. The officer knew this. During the conversation, the officer said she needed to ask a question arising from footage which showed a query about whether the back door had been unlocked on the day Jools died. To be asked this question almost four years later, while alone on a train, was shocking. She suggested that there is now video footage that raises questions about whether a door being unlocked inevitably causes distress. Standing alone on that train, Ellen’s immediate thought was whether this implied a new line of investigation; were they saying someone else was in the house with Jools that night? The explanations then changed several times during the same call. The officer initially stated the issue had been seen on the family’s CCTV. Ellen immediately challenged this, as she is aware that Gloucestershire Police did not take or watch ANY CCTV footage from the property, other than the single clip voluntarily provided of Jools saying goodbye to Monty at the front door. The officer then stated that it must have come from CCTV footage sent to the Police. Ellen clarified again that only one clip was ever sent and that the Police never bothered reviewing any of the other footage. The officer then suggested it may have been body-worn camera footage. This is particularly concerning, as Ellen had previously been informed in correspondence from Gloucestershire Police that the docking station for the relevant body-worn cameras was not functioning, and she was therefore under the understanding that no body-worn video footage was available. Within one call, three different explanations were given. After almost 4 years, and given the sensitivity of this case, it is essential that an accurate and consistent account be provided of the evidence available, the footage retained, and how it is being reviewed. 9 February – Baroness Kidron wrote to Lord Hermer KC, the Attorney General, chasing his permission (a fiat) to apply to the High Court for a new inquest into the death of my son, Jools. I am asking for a new inquest because the original inquest into Jools’ death lasted just 23 minutes. No witnesses were called. No meaningful evidence was gathered. Crucially, Jools’ online activity was not examined properly. Since that inquest, serious new information has emerged. I am deeply grateful to the many peers, MPs, experts, and organisations who have signed this letter in support. Thank you in particular to Paul Wright of Alliance 4 Children for organising many of the signatures and helping bring so many voices together. 2 February – I spent 4½ hours giving a video statement, recounting everything I could possibly remember about the death of Jools. I was asked to go through every sight, every sound, every smell. To take myself back to that night in a level of detail no parent should ever have to revisit. Taking myself back there was not just upsetting; it was overwhelming. After the statement ended, I suffered flashbacks for the rest of the evening. My mind and body were still there, reliving it all. It was exhausting. Painful. So incredibly hard. What has left me completely shocked is learning that when Jools died, not a single statement was taken from anyone. Not from me. Not from his dad. Not from his friends. Not from anyone. How does a 14-year-old child die, and not one single statement is taken? I was in no fit state at that time when he died to question what was happening or to imagine that something so basic would be overlooked. As a parent, you assume the fundamentals will be done. You assume someone is doing their job while you are in shock and grief. But they weren’t. Those first hours and days matter. Memories are clearer. Context exists. Evidence exists. And yet nothing was properly recorded then. Now, years later, Matt has to give his statement. Jools’ friends will have to give theirs too. All of us are being asked to remember details that should have been captured at the time, when the memories were still intact. January 2026 31 January – The police investigation is ongoing. I understand that officers have now requested information from Jools’ school. Matt and I have also been asked to give video statements . Mine is scheduled for Monday, 2 February. This will be extremely difficult, as it will involve reliving Jools’ last night on camera with the police. We were never asked to provide video statements at the time of his death. 12 January – The BBC came to film me about my busy week, and whilst with me, they received confirmation from Gloucestershire Police that they do indeed have the initial forensic imaging of Jools' phone from 26th April 2022, which had NEVER previously been reviewed. I'm shocked that I heard this from the BBC instead of the police, but delighted that they do, in fact, have it. 7 January – Email received from Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone at Gloucestershire Police. They have now formally confirmed that new investigative resources have been allocated to review outstanding lines of enquiry in relation to Jools’ death. A massive thank you to Mark Bramah & Mick Randall for their work in achieving this for us. Families should not have to fight for years to trigger basic investigative action. Progress should be automatic, immediate, and routine. That is why systemic reform is still needed and why Jools’ Law matters. December 2025 23 December - Met with Senior Investigating Officer, Gary Haskins , to discuss the review into Jools' case. This meeting took place a month after Gloucestershire Constabulary confirmed it would undertake a review. I remain concerned that meaningful investigation has not yet begun. He informed us that we will hear more by mid January. Yet more waiting for us. 17 December - J. Paul Wright at Alliance 4 Children sent a letter to the Attorney General in support of my application (made by Harry Lambert at Outer Temple Chambers ) for a new inquest into the death of my son, Jools. He brought together 23 MPs and Peers from across Parliament, spanning parties and the Cross Benches. I am deeply grateful to Paul, the Alliance 4 Children team, and to every MP, Peer and organisation who has put their name to this request and stood with us in the search for truth, accountability and learning that could protect other children in the future. Thank you. New powers under the Online Safety Act 2023 and the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 mean that coroners can now obtain a deceased child’s digital and social media data. These powers did not exist at the time of Jools’ inquest, and I do not feel that his inquest, which lasted just 23 minutes, without the benefit of examining the full evidence, was appropriate. This letter sets out why, in light of the changed legal framework and the strong public interest in understanding the role of digital harm in children’s lives, a new inquest is both necessary and justified. Additionally, Gloucestershire Constabulary has confirmed that my next meeting with them will take place on 23 December. It has now been a month since they were provided with the independent Fedora report from Mick Randall and the work from Mark Bramah (Child Safeguarding Expert), and I remain concerned that meaningful work has not yet begun. I feel that, because Jools is dead, this is not being treated as a priority, despite the report raising new lines of enquiry with them. This is not just about Jools. It is about ensuring our systems keep pace with children’s realities, and that digital evidence is never again ignored when a child dies. That is why I have been working in Parliament to change the law, so no other bereaved parent has to face what we have. 16 December - Saqib Bhatti MBE MP for Meriden and Solihull East has agreed to write to AG to back my application. I have had several others confirm to their constituents that they will support my application (but I dont have the letters to share), which is most kind. 12 December - Senior Investigating Officer Gary Haskins has arranged a meeting on 23 December with me, Mark Bramah and Mick Randall to discuss the independent review into Jools’ case. This meeting takes place nearly a month after Gloucestershire Constabulary confirmed it would undertake a review. The meeting will be the first opportunity to understand what work, if any, has been carried out since the review was announced, how the Fedora report and original case material are being examined, and whether any new lines of enquiry have been identified. 9 December – Continuing to ask MPs and Peers from the House of Lords to back my application with the AG. My MP, Max Wilkinson, has sent a letter of support, as have Baroness Beeban Kidron & Baroness Diana Barran. 8 December – My application to the Attorney General (AG) for a FIAT is now in. Thank you to Harry Lambert, Outer Temple Chambers for all his work preparing this. 1 December – Ellen on BBC Breakfast providing an update as to police involvement (play video below) November 2025 28 November – Gloucestershire Constabulary has confirmed a full independent review of Jools’ case, led by newly appointed Senior Investigating Officer Gary Haskins , formerly Head of Major Crime. The review will examine all original case material alongside Fedora’s 23-page report, pursue any new lines of enquiry, and reassess the original outcome. Police have committed to a rigorous, transparent process. 21 November – A positive meeting was held with Gloucestershire Constabulary, who were genuinely caring in their approach. We are now awaiting their formal response, giving them the necessary time to review Fedora’s 23-page independent report. They have confirmed they will reply by 28 November. 2 November – Meeting confirmed for 21 November with Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone ; Detective Superintendent Steve Bean (Head of Public Protection); Mick Randall (Fedora Investigations); Mark Bramah (former Senior Investigating Officer); Matt Sweeney (Jools’ dad); and me. October 2025 24 October – Emailed Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone at Gloucestershire Police to request a meeting to discuss major concerns about Jools’ case. 16 October – Received a comprehensive 23-page report from Mick Randall (Fedora Investigations ). It provides an independent and detailed review of how Gloucestershire Police handled Jools’ case and highlights serious failings. September 2025 7 September – A highly experienced forensic specialist re-examined Jools’ devices. 5 September – I’ve written a full ‘brain dump’ of Jools’ last day . Every moment, every tiny detail I can remember, laid out in a timeline. It was incredibly painful to relive, but the experts asked me to do this so they could piece together what happened, and so much was overlooked in the original investigation. Even something as simple as Jools wearing different clothes when I found him compared to earlier in the day… why wasn’t this noticed? Is it relevant? I don’t know. But now, I must let the experts do their job. I am beyond grateful for their kindness in helping me. 4 September – Had a two-hour meeting with two former Senior Investigating Officers and my barrister, Harry Lambert . For the first time, I finally felt heard. What I have always believed was overlooked has now been confirmed as entirely reasonable and correct. Their words, not mine. August 2025 31 August 2025 – I’m now gathering every piece of evidence and paperwork to submit my application to the Attorney General. On Thursday, I have an important meeting with a former Senior Investigating Officer and a forensic expert, both of whom have kindly offered to help me review the police report. It’s a huge step forward — finally looking at what was done, and what wasn’t, at the original inquest with people who truly understand the process. All of this will then go to my barrister , who is also a coroner , and has generously offered to represent me without charge . I am deeply grateful for the people who have come forward to help, but it’s still such a painful journey, piecing everything together and wondering how so much could have been missed. 19 August 2025 – I finally received the police report . Sadly, it contains no new information. I have sent it straight to my lawyers for review, but it’s hard not to feel disheartened. Every delay and every blank page is another reminder of how far I still have to go to uncover the truth about what happened to Jools. 18 August 2025 – I emailed the Minister, Rt Hon Dame Diana Johnson DBE , to complain that Gloucestershire Police had failed to respond to my request for the overdue report and now appeared to be ignoring my emails. 9 August 2025 – Back on 7 July, Gloucestershire Constabulary’s Legal Services Department told me I would receive the police report on Jools’ devices by 4 August . Then I was told it would arrive by the end of this week, which I assumed meant yesterday. Perhaps their definition of “the end of the week” is different. Either way, the report has still not arrived. I have chased again. The waiting never seems to end. July 2025 23 July 2025 – I received a letter from Minister Alex Davies-Jones at the Ministry of Justice . She wrote that while she and her colleagues deeply sympathise with my loss and my determination to find the truth, they cannot formally support my application for a fresh inquest. The decision must be made independently by the Attorney General , who alone can grant a Fiat (permission) for a new investigation. Although disappointing, she acknowledged the importance of my campaign and my ongoing efforts to seek answers. 17 July 2025 – I wrote again to Rt Hon Peter Kyle MP , raising my concerns about the app LMK and about WhatsApp . The children’s codes do not cover these private messaging platforms in the Online Safety Act because they are encrypted and not public platforms. Yet they are often used by predators to move children from open platforms into private chats, away from safety and oversight. This loophole continues to put children at risk. 16 July 2025 – Rt Hon Peter Kyle MP , Secretary of State, Department for Science, Innovation & Technology , replied to me, and you can see his letter here. 7 July 2025 – The Police Legal Team confirmed that I would receive their full report by 4 August. June to July 2025 2 July 2025 – I wrote to Gloucestershire Constabulary’s Legal Team requesting complete clarity on what data was reviewed, how, and when. I also asked which of Jools’ social media accounts the police located before the inquest. I can only hope this doesn’t take another nine months to receive, as it did when I first asked for the police file on Jools. When that file finally came, much of it was redacted. I raised this with Rt Hon Dame Diana Johnson DBE MP, Minister of State for Policing and Crime Prevention , and was told: “When responding to a data subject access request pursuant to the Data Protection Act 2018, the law allows law enforcement authorities, in this case the Gloucestershire Constabulary, to restrict the response (for example by redacting) if that is necessary and proportionate for a range of circumstances, including to avoid prejudicing the prevention, detection or investigation of criminal offences or to protect the rights and freedoms of others.” It was another reminder of how hard it is for parents to access the very information that could explain what happened to their children. 26 June 2025 – I wrote to the following ministers asking for their support in my application to the Attorney General for a new inquest for Jools: Alex Davies-Jones, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Justice Dame Diana Johnson DBE MP, Minister of State for Policing and Crime Prevention Rt Hon Peter Kyle MP , Secretary of State, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology Baroness Maggie Jones , Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, DSIT May to June 2025 6 June 2025 – The Coroner returned several documents. The next step is to obtain statements from Jools’ friends. 27 May 2025 – I wrote formally to the Coroner. After Jools’ inquest , I only ever received the final inquest pack, but lawyers have since told me there should have been more documentation shared. I’ve asked to see the full records and have requested that the Coroner support my application for a fresh inquest . Jools’ inquest file had been archived, so I am now waiting for it to be returned. It’s another slow, emotional process, but one that I have to see through to the end. How can you help?