Following news of the new allegations, Jenrick told ITV News he wanted answers about “when the Prime Minister knew”.

“The state should not lie to its own citizens,” he said.

Asked if he believed the state lied, Jenrick said, “We don’t know why this information was withheld.

“Why did it take months for the police to lay out basic facts about this case that it is reasonable to believe were known within hours or days of this incident?”

In a social media post, Badenoch said there were “serious questions to be asked of the police, (Crown Prosecution Service) and also about Keir Starmer’s response to the whole situation”.

She said: “Parliament is the right place for this to happen.

“While we must abide by the rules of contempt of court and not prejudice this case, it is important that there is proper oversight.”

The BBC understands that senior government figures first learned of the possibility of new charges against the suspect in the Southport murders in recent weeks.

A spokesman for the prime minister said it was “not correct” to say the government was involved in withholding the facts from the public.

The CPS said it took time to bring the charges because it was a “long and complex investigation”.

Ahead of PMQs, Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle warned MPs of the risk of seriously prejudicing criminal proceedings, commenting on the Commons inquiry.

While members may be frustrated at not being able to comment, he said: “More importantly, at the heart of this case are three young girls.

“We all went to see justice for them and others affected by this horrific incident.”