On January 8th, in the House of Commons, Conservative MPs forced a vote on a Reasoned Amendment to the Government’s Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. This amendment called for a full national inquiry into grooming gangs – and offered MPs of all parties the opportunity to show their unwavering support for victims of these groups.
The need for a new inquiry is evident in light of the fact that the previous investigation into child sexual exploitation looked at only six case studies and made no or limited reference to many of the towns where these crimes are known to have occurred. Moreover, there have also been several local inquiries, but these lower tier processes did not have the power to summon witnesses, take evidence under oath or requisition pertinent evidence. A national inquiry is also key in instances where local institutions are refusing to commission local inquiries, for example in Bradford, where Robbie Moore MP has said he fears that the scale of child sexual abuse and exploitation may “dwarf that of Rotherham”.
It is true that work has been done more broadly on child sexual abuse on this area in recent years – and in particular The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse led by Alexis Jay is to be commended. But, there has been no national inquiry specifically on abuse by grooming gangs across the UK. Without this, we can’t establish the issues and root causes underpinning the abuse and why it’s become so pervasive in certain locations.
It is only with full information that we can prevent this horrific abuse of our children ever happening again, and ensure all the victims, both past and present, get the justice they deserve.
A new inquiry would sit with both sufficient authority and a suitably broad remit to give us answers not just on the nature and extent of the problem but also on the failings of our institutions and the extent to which concerns over cultural sensitivity were a factor. This is absolutely vital if we are to avoid such appalling crimes reoccurring in the future.
I am clear on the importance of establishing whether any people in positions of power have turned a blind eye or colluded in this abuse, and if so, they must be held accountable and face the full force of the law. Such dereliction of duty is shameful and reprehensible, and those that are hiding in the shadows need to be brought out into the light and face up to what they’ve done.
At the conclusion of the debate, the House of Commons divided and the Conservative Party amendment was defeated by 364 votes vs 111, with Labour MPs voting en bloc to oppose it and Lib Dem Members choosing to abstain.
This was a hugely disappointing outcome as we urgently need a proper, constructive cross-party dialogue on how we best serve victims and stop this happening ever again. I very much regret that the Conservative amendment, which I am proud to have put my name to, was not successful and fear that we have lost an opportunity to get to the heart of this matter – and to deliver justice for the victims. However, I do hope the Labour Government will reflect further on the need for this work following the debate and choose to launch an inquiry themselves given the strong public interest in this.
