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Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has reassured the public that the national grooming gangs inquiry will maintain its focus and not be diluted. In an article for The Times, Mahmood emphasized that the appointment of the inquiry’s chairperson will happen soon and must be done correctly. This statement follows the resignation of three abuse survivors from their roles due to concerns about the scope of the inquiry and who would lead it.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced the national inquiry into grooming gangs in England and Wales back in June, with a survivor panel overseeing the process. However, there have been accusations from survivors that officials are trying to expand the inquiry beyond grooming gangs, causing frustration. The delay in appointing a chairperson has raised suspicions of potential cover-ups.
Survivors have expressed doubts about the suitability of candidates shortlisted to lead the inquiry, including former social worker Annie Hudson and ex-deputy chief constable Jim Gamble. Fiona Goddard, who was abused in a Bradford children’s home, criticized policing and social work services for covering up the national mass rape and trafficking of children. Another survivor, Ellie Reynolds, called for an impartial judge to lead the inquiry, rather than individuals connected to failing systems.
Mahmood expressed her disappointment over the resignation of some panel members and vowed to address their concerns. She stated that the inquiry will explicitly consider the ethnicity and religion of offenders, aiming to begin the investigation promptly. Despite allegations of diluting the inquiry’s focus, Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips denied these claims and affirmed the government’s commitment to addressing survivors’ voices in shaping the inquiry
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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