Petition · past parliament

Ben Needham Needs more backing by British Government

Closed 19,521 signatures

Government response · 11 November 2013

This Government is clear that unresolved missing children cases, like that of Ben Needham, remain open for any further information that may be forthcoming.

The National Crime Agency is in contact with South Yorkshire Police and has been in contact with the Greek authorities to ensure that the investigation into Ben's whereabouts benefits from the national capability, expertise, resources and support they are able to provide.

The National Crime Agency’s Missing Persons Bureau has been in contact with Interpol and has supported both South Yorkshire Police and the family of Ben Needham.

On the specific issue of resources, the Home Office gave South Yorkshire Police a Special Grant to support their investigation last autumn and we remain committed to supporting the search for Ben.

The UK Government is clear that this remains an open case and the UK will continue to support the Greek authorities in their investigations.

This e-petition remains open to signatures and will be considered for debate by the Backbench Business Committee should it pass the 100 000 signature threshold.

Timeline

10 Jul 2013 Petition opened for signatures
11 Oct 2013 Passed 10,000 signatures, requiring a government response
11 Nov 2013 Government responded
10 Jul 2014 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 19,521
Status Closed
Opened 10 Jul 2013
Closed 10 Jul 2014
Response 11 Nov 2013

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.