Mum of missing Ben Needham shares Prime Minister's letter as private investigator appeal continues
“I can only imagine how distressing it must be not having answers to why Ben went missing all those years ago”
The mother of missing Ben Needham has shared a letter from the outgoing Prime Minister, as an appeal to raise the funds for a private investigator continues.
Ben was just 21-months-old when he went missing from the Greek island of Kos in 1991.
Now, more than three decades later, Ben remains missing and his mum, Kerry, has recently been exploring new avenues to find him as the search continues.
They include an appeal help to raise £10,000 to fund the cost of a private investigator, and writing to the outgoing Prime Minister, Keir Starmer.
Kerry asked Mr Starmer if he could intervene and communicate with the Greek authorities, in a bid to foster a more unified approach, bringing them and South Yorkshire Police together, in the ongoing search.
She has now received a letter from Mr Statmer dated today (Friday, June 26, 2026), which she has shared on her campaign page.
It reads: “Dear Kerry,
“Thank you for your recent letter about the tragic case of your son Ben's disappearance in 1991, and the fact it remains unresolved to this day.
“Firstly, I would like to express my deepest sympathies. I can only imagine how distressing it must be not having answers to why Ben went missing all those years ago, and I am very sorry you feel he has been forgotten by those investigating it.
“I understand you have been in contact with the South Yorkshire Police to discuss your recent concerns. I am assured that South Yorkshire Police will continue to work with the Greek Authorities, who have primacy, on any new evidence that comes to light.
“I hope that the ongoing conversations you have with South Yorkshire Police are productive and enable you to feel as supported as possible in the circumstances.
“Thank you, once again, for writing to me, and for sharing your concerns.
“All best wishes,
“THE RT HON SIR KEIR STARMER KCB KC MP.”
In the same update, Kerry shared her reasons for wanting to bring a private investigator.
She said: “Yes South Yorkshire Police do remain supportive but they are limited to what they can do without the backing of the Greek police/ government, the Greek and British police do not have a direct, active day-to-day working relationship on Ben’s case.
“As a result, any new information, witness statements, forensic opportunities, or potential leads may have to pass through formal channels, including Interpol, which can create delays at exactly the moment when swift action is most important.
“A private investigator could provide a more immediate, independent, and proactive response by quickly assessing new information, following up witnesses while memories are still fresh, and working with relevant specialists to preserve and develop leads before they go cold.
“In a case that has remained unresolved for more than 30 years, acting quickly on new information could make a real difference.
“Speed, persistence, and an independent investigative focus may be essential to giving Ben’s case the best possible chance of uncovering the truth.
“Please donate if you can , every donation means so much!!”
“We have so many leads that have not been resolved!!”
Anyone wishing to donate, can do so by visiting the GoFundMe page here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/Helpfindbenneedham