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Calls for Immediate Action Over New Inquiry into Grooming Gangs
Former chair of the inquiry into child sexual abuse in England and Wales, Prof. Alexis Jay, has stated that further investigations into grooming gangs should be halted to expedite governmental action. This statement follows over two years of delay in the implementation of her independent inquiry’s recommendations.
Jay’s remarks came in response to calls for a new inquiry into the various grooming gang scandals in the UK, which were prominently brought to light after comments made by tech billionaire Elon Musk on social media platform X. These calls have found support from political figures such as Reform leader Nigel Farage and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch.
In light of these developments, Labour leader Keir Starmer criticized Musk’s comments, deeming them as spreading falsehoods and possibly fueling far-right sentiments. However, Starmer’s stance has drawn criticism for linking the discussion of pedophile gangs with extremist views.
Prof. Jay, who authored a detailed report on child sexual exploitation, particularly highlighting the situation in Rotherham, where many victims were targeted by perpetrators of Pakistani descent, has distanced herself from the push for a broader inquiry. She emphasized that previous reviews have provided sufficient insight and that local authorities must act on the numerous recommendations already established.
“There are around 400 recommendations from previous reviews, and many have yet to be implemented,” Jay articulated during an interview with BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. She expressed urgency, noting, “Victims and survivors deserve decisive action, rather than more inquiries and consultations.”
The call for a new investigation, she warned, would likely result in further delays and would detract from the immediate actions needed. Though she refrained from publicly criticizing Musk, she expressed concern over the politicization of child sexual abuse issues. “I’ve seen minimal mention of the actual children and the devastating, lasting impacts that sexual abuse can inflict,” she remarked.
In related news, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has pledged to advance a critical component of Jay’s inquiry by making it mandatory for professionals working with children to report suspected cases of sexual abuse, with legal ramifications for non-compliance. She indicated that this change would form part of the crime and policing bill due to be presented in parliament this spring.
While Jay acknowledged the challenges of implementing these recommendations swiftly, she indicated a belief that progress is being made under the new government. “Despite the delays, the discussions we are having are shifting the agenda,” she noted. Previous proposals for mandatory reporting had been criticized for being insufficiently robust when they were initially introduced as part of Rishi Sunak’s criminal justice bill last year.
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www.theguardian.com