Alexis Jay, who led a seven-year investigation into child sexual abuse, has said that victims “clearly want action” and that there is no need for a new national inquiry into grooming gangs. She urged people to get on with implementing her recommendations instead. Jay added that those who have been affected by child sexual exploitation have had enough of inquiries, consultations, and discussions. She believes that people should locally step up to the mark and do the things that have been recommended.
Following interventions on social media from Elon Musk, the Conservatives and Reform UK have demanded a national inquiry into grooming gangs. However, Jay said that launching a new national inquiry would cause delays in implementing her recommendations. The Labour government has already rejected calls for such an inquiry and has pledged to implement the Jay Review’s recommendations.
Whilst Jay believes the issue of grooming gangs requires attention, she is “very unhappy with the politicisation of child sexual exploitation”. She argues that the arguments are distracting from the real issues. Jay has, however, expressed pleasure that the subject matter and inquiry recommendations are finally getting the attention they deserve.
The Grooming Gang report by Jay, which concluded in 2022, made 20 recommendations. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced on Monday that new legislation would be introduced to punish those who cover up or fail to report child sexual abuse. This proposal was one of the Jay Review’s recommendations. Despite strong calls for a national inquiry, the government has yet to set a date to implement all 20 recommendations from Professor Jay’s report
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