Local Reviews into Grooming Will Bring Change, Says Cooper
Yvette Cooper emphasizes local reviews will yield better answers on grooming issues
Grooming, Yvette Cooper, Oldham, Greater Manchester, Child Sexual Abuse, UK
Oldham: A new audit is set to investigate gang-based exploitation across the UK, alongside local reviews into grooming in specific areas. This comes after growing pressure for a national inquiry.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper believes these local reviews will provide more meaningful insights and changes than a broader national investigation. This announcement follows a legal threat regarding child grooming issues.
Former police detective Maggie Oliver, who left the Greater Manchester Police in 2012, has been vocal about her concerns. She warned Cooper that she would take legal action unless urgent steps were taken to address public worries about child exploitation.
In Parliament, Cooper outlined a £10 million plan to tackle grooming gangs, which includes a three-month audit and local inquiries in five areas, including Oldham.
Elon Musk even weighed in on the issue, criticizing safeguarding minister Jess Phillips for not supporting a national inquiry after Oldham Council’s request.
However, some critics, including shadow home secretary Chris Philp, argue that Cooper’s plans are insufficient, pointing out that many towns are affected and only five local inquiries are being supported.
Cooper didn’t clarify whether these local reviews would have the authority to compel witnesses or gather evidence under oath, which has raised further concerns.
Leading the inquiry framework is barrister Tom Crowther, while Baroness Louise Casey will oversee the rapid audit. Casey has experience from previous inquiries, including one into Rotherham’s children’s services.
Downing Street assured that the two initiatives would not interfere with each other, with the audit focusing on gathering crucial data about the demographics of gangs and their victims.
The Home Office is also pushing for better data collection on child sexual abuse, emphasizing the need for police forces to learn from past mistakes.
Other measures announced include reopening cold cases related to grooming gangs and allowing survivors to request reviews of their closed cases. Stronger sentencing guidelines are also on the table.
Cooper stressed the importance of increasing police investigations to hold abusers accountable. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch supports local inquiries, arguing they can provide more relevant insights than a lengthy national investigation.
The NSPCC echoed the need for local inquiries to be rooted in the experiences of victims, ensuring their voices are heard. Cooper also promised a clear timeline for implementing recommendations from a previous inquiry into child sexual abuse.
Professor Alexis Jay, former chair of that inquiry, welcomed Cooper’s commitment but urged for swift action, noting that time lost has only added to the trauma for victims.
While some, like Labour figures in Greater Manchester, support a national inquiry, others, including Jay, believe it’s time for action rather than more investigations.
In the Commons, MP Sarah Champion emphasized the need for inquiries to have the power to compel witnesses, highlighting the importance of thorough investigations.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council acknowledged the challenges ahead but expressed optimism that the new funding will enhance support for victims and survivors.