Family calls for Alice's Law after mother dies from cosmetic surgery in Gloucester
Calls for increased regulation in the cosmetic industry grow following Alice Webb's death
The family of Alice Webb, who passed away following a Brazilian butt lift procedure in Gloucester, is urging the government to introduce "Alice's Law" to regulate the cosmetic industry.
Alice Webb, 33, died after undergoing the procedure, performed by Jordan Parke at a salon in Gloucester.
She fell ill post-treatment and was taken to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, where she later died in September 2024.
A criminal investigation was launched, leading to the arrest of a man and a woman on charges of manslaughter.
However, the woman was released without charge, and the case continued until Mr Parke's death in February this year.
Alice's sister, April Palmer, and former partner, Ben Kingscote, have written to Health Secretary James Murray, appointed last week after Wes Streeting's resignation, expressing concern about the lack of regulation in the cosmetic sector.
"We are asking for urgent Government action to strengthen regulation and to implement Alice’s Law,” Alice’s sister, April Palmer, said.
She calls for restricting liquid BBL procedures to appropriately qualified surgeons.
Since the incident, they have collaborated with Save Face to advocate for these restrictions.
Tension remains after three years since the campaign began, with calls for expedited measures to prevent further fatalities.
Mr Kingscote, father of Alice’s eldest child, has also reached out to local MP Simon Opher regarding the issue.
In his letter, Mr Kingscote urges immediate government intervention, highlighting the well-documented health risks associated with unqualified practitioners performing these procedures.
He criticises previous Health Secretary Mr Streeting for inadequate action despite publicising the hazards extensively.
He added that Alice's daughter grows up without her mother and shared heartfelt experiences such as attending her prom and awaiting GCSE results without Alice by her side.
He expressed hope that the new Health Secretary would implement necessary changes to avert similar tragedies.
Earlier this week, a pre-inquest review at Gloucestershire Coroner’s Court confirmed a full inquest with a jury will occur in autumn.
Following her tragic death, campaigners are pressing for increased regulation and prohibitions on specific cosmetic procedures.
The government has proposed stricter regulations ensuring high-risk procedures are performed only by qualified healthcare professionals.
A spokeswoman for the Department of Health and Social Care extended sympathies to Alice’s family, emphasising the government's strides to counteract dangerous practices in the cosmetic industry.
"Our tough new measures will ensure only qualified healthcare professionals will be able to perform the highest-risk procedures, such as the liquid Brazilian butt lift,” she said.
The Department advises individuals considering such treatments to verify the provider’s qualifications and insurance and be cautious of suspiciously low-cost options.