MP Lynne Featherstone has blasted the Lord Laming report and called for a public inquiry into Haringey Council s involvement in the Baby P case. Ms Featherstone, who has been a vocal arbitrator for child protection services in the borough, said there was

MP Lynne Featherstone has blasted the Lord Laming report and called for a public inquiry into Haringey Council's involvement in the Baby P case.

Ms Featherstone, who has been a vocal arbitrator for child protection services in the borough, said there was little new to be learnt from the recommendations, which were published today.

"I can't help thinking I have heard this before," Ms Featherstone said. "What I want to know is why it will be different this time?

"Clearly the rulebook doesn't need to be rewritten - the rules just need to be applied. To do this Haringey needs two things above all - more accountability and more openness.

"However key questions remain unanswered, such as why did Haringey's whistle-blowing policy fail so badly.

"Why were the people who warned that something was wrong ignored? We have had review after review and yet we seem no closer to the truth. It is for this reason we need a full public inquiry."

Cllr Robert Gorrie, Liberal Democrat Leader of the Opposition on Haringey Council, added:

"For too long there has been a culture of tick-box compliance at the highest levels in Haringey. This has led to complacency and ultimately failure in protecting vulnerable children.

"Those responsible must heed the lessons of today's report, but ultimately Haringey Council desperately needs a change of culture that no review can order.

"After a generation of running the council, Haringey Labour must take responsibility for their failure implement the changes Lord Laming ordered in his first inquiry.