Labour MP for Rotherham Demands Locally-Led Inquiry into Grooming Gangs
Sarah Champion emphasizes the need for a national inquiry into grooming gangs in the UK
Rotherham, UK, Grooming Gangs, Child Sexual Abuse, Sarah Champion
Rotherham: The Labour MP Sarah Champion is really pushing for a national inquiry into grooming gangs. She’s calling child sexual abuse in the UK “endemic,” which is pretty serious.
Champion wants this inquiry to be led locally, focusing on how authorities have failed to deal with grooming gangs. She’s suggesting a “Telford-style” inquiry that the Home Office would roll out in areas that need more attention.
She believes the findings should go back to the Home Office for a national response. Champion said, “Child sexual abuse is endemic in the UK and needs to be recognised as a national priority.”
She pointed out that people don’t trust the government when it comes to preventing and prosecuting child abuse, especially when it involves sexual exploitation.
Champion laid out a five-point plan, which includes a national inquiry and a “national audit” to check if grooming gangs are still active or if any cases have slipped through the cracks.
She mentioned that local inquiries just don’t have the power to compel witnesses, which doesn’t help the public’s worries about cover-ups.
Inquiries could be triggered by local councils, police, or even independent panels raising concerns. Reports from victims or survivors could also kickstart an inquiry.
Dan Carden, another Labour MP from Liverpool Walton, has also backed the call for a national inquiry. This comes as pressure mounts on the Prime Minister to take action, especially after Elon Musk criticized him on the issue earlier this year.
So far, Sir Keir has been hesitant to launch a new inquiry, saying the focus should be on implementing recommendations from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse.
Champion is urging the government to set a timeline for these recommendations and ensure resources are allocated properly.
She’s also calling for a review of the laws to make sure they effectively protect children and prosecute abusers.
Having worked closely with victims and professionals, Champion believes it’s crucial to understand the nature of this crime and the failures of public bodies to protect children.
She insists that only a national inquiry can restore faith in the systems meant to safeguard children.
Prof. Alexis Jay had previously produced a report on grooming gangs in Rotherham back in 2014 and chaired the national inquiry that reported in 2022. However, she has expressed concerns about launching another national inquiry, fearing it could delay the implementation of her recommendations.